Smriti Mandhana Fastest ODI Century

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has once again etched her name in cricketing history by scoring the fastest century ever by an Indian in ODI cricket. On 20 September 2025, during the 3rd ODI against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Smriti Mandhana reached her hundred in just 50 balls, breaking the long-standing record of Virat Kohli’s 52-ball century scored against Australia in 2013.

This remarkable feat makes Smriti Mandhana the fastest Indian across both men’s and women’s cricket to score an ODI hundred, further cementing her status as one of India’s greatest batting icons.

The Record-Breaking Knock

In a breathtaking display of power and precision, Smriti Mandhana scored 125 runs off just 65 balls, smashing 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. She completed her century with a towering six over midwicket, igniting the Delhi crowd. The innings was especially remarkable, as India was chasing a record target of 413 runs after Australia posted their joint-highest ODI total of 412/7.

Despite Mandhana’s heroics, India could not complete the chase due to quick wickets, including the fall of Smriti Mandhana herself. However, she shared a crucial 121-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, showcasing her role as a true India women’s cricket star.

Women’s ODI Fastest Hundreds (By Balls Faced)

Smriti Mandhana’s century is now the second-fastest in women’s ODI history, only behind Meg Lanning’s 45-ball hundred.

Breaking Virat Kohli’s Record

By reaching her century in 50 balls, Smriti Mandhana surpassed Virat Kohli’s 52-ball century against Australia at Jaipur in 2013. Kohli had held this record for more than a decade, which makes Smriti Mandhana’s fastest ODI hundred even more historic.

Interestingly, Smriti Mandhana had already held the record for the fastest women’s ODI hundred for India with a 70-ball ton against Ireland in Rajkot. She smashed her own record by a significant 20-ball margin, showcasing her exceptional talent in ODI cricket.

Match Context: India vs Australia, 3rd ODI 2025

• Australia’s innings: Beth Mooney scored a spectacular 138 off 75 balls, powering Australia to 412/7.

• India’s chase: Smriti Mandhana led the chase with 125 runs off 65 balls, supported by Harmanpreet Kaur.

• Bowling highlight: Deepti Sharma was the most economical for India with figures of 10-0-68-1.

• Series context: The series was tied 1-1 going into the decider, and despite Smriti Mandhana’s innings, India lost the series.

Smriti Mandhana: Career Highlights and Achievements

• Left-handed opener, known for her aggressive and stylish batting.

• ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year: 2018, 2021.

• Fastest ODI century ever (global record): AB de Villiers – 31 balls vs. West Indies, 2015.

• Previous Record (India): Virat Kohli – 52 balls vs. Australia, 2013.

• Smriti Mandhana's fastest century in ODIs 2025: 50 balls vs. Australia.

• Known for her consistent performance in both ODI cricket and T20 cricket.

Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking innings vs. Australia adds to her long list of achievements and positions her as one of the most reliable batswomen in Indian cricket. Her batting highlights often feature in global sports news due to their explosive style and consistency.

Key Takeaways for SSC Aspirants

For SSC current affairs and sports preparation, the following points are essential:

1. Smriti Mandhana holds the record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian (50 balls).

2. She is the second-fastest woman in ODI history to reach a century.

3. Broke Virat Kohli’s 52-ball record from 2013.

4. Played a crucial innings in India vs Australia, 3rd ODI 2025.

5. Recognized as an Indian women’s cricket star with numerous awards.

6. The upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will be hosted in India, starting 30 September 2025.

SSC aspirants should remember these facts, as sports current affairs questions are frequently asked in exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, and others.

Final Thoughts

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana made history on 20 September 2025 by scoring the fastest ODI century ever by an Indian, reaching 100 runs in just 50 balls against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. She smashed 17 boundaries and 5 sixes in her explosive innings of 125 runs off 65 balls. Her century broke Virat Kohli’s 52-ball record, making her the fastest Indian across both men’s and women’s cricket.

Despite India chasing a record target of 413 runs, Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur shared a 121-run partnership, though India eventually fell short. This innings now ranks as the second-fastest women’s ODI century in history, just behind Meg Lanning’s 45-ball hundred.

Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking innings demonstrates her consistent brilliance in ODI cricket and reinforces her position as one of the most outstanding Indian women’s cricket stars. Her performance is a shining example of skill, determination, and power in modern women’s cricket.