Saturday, March 29, 2025
Smriti Mandhana Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record, Becomes Fastest Indian to Score an ODI Century
New Delhi, September 20, 2025 – India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana etched her name into cricket history on Saturday by becoming the fastest Indian – male or female – to score a century in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Chasing a mammoth target of 413 runs against Australia in the third ODI at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mandhana smashed her century in just 50 balls, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 12-year-old record of a 52-ball ton against Australia in Jaipur (2013).
The 29-year-old left-hander went on to score a blistering 125 runs off 63 balls, hitting 17 fours and 5 sixes. Her explosive knock electrified the stadium and gave India a fighting chance in what appeared to be an impossible chase.
With this achievement, Mandhana also became the second-fastest centurion in women’s ODI history, behind former Australian captain Meg Lanning, who scored a 45-ball hundred against New Zealand in 2012. She overtook Australia’s Beth Mooney and Karen Rolton, who had both reached hundreds in 57 balls.
Australia had earlier posted a record-breaking 412/10 in 47.5 overs, the highest-ever ODI score against India. Despite Mandhana’s brilliance, India faced an uphill battle, needing 165 runs from 142 balls at one stage with five wickets in hand.
Mandhana shared key partnerships, adding 53 runs with Harleen Deol and a crucial 121-run stand with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a quickfire 53 off 35 balls. However, both batters were dismissed in quick succession, halting India’s momentum.
45 balls – Meg Lanning vs New Zealand, 2012
50 balls – Smriti Mandhana vs Australia, 2025
57 balls – Karen Rolton vs South Africa, 2000
57 balls – Beth Mooney vs India, 2025
59 balls – Sophie Devine vs Ireland, 2018
👉 Mandhana’s record-breaking knock not only reaffirmed her status as one of the world’s most destructive batters but also placed her ahead of Indian greats like Virat Kohli in the record books.
