Smriti Mandhana propelled the statisticians into a frenzy during the third ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The pitch in Rajkot, renowned for its favourable conditions for batters, lived up to expectations as Mandhana and her opening partner Pratika Rawal capitalized on the Ireland bowlers after India chose to bat first.

Mandhana achieved the fastest century by an Indian in Women's ODIs, reaching the milestone in just 70 balls, surpassing the previous record held by regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored her century in 87 balls against South Africa in Bengaluru last year. The left-handed opening batter, who is captaining India in this series due to Harmanpreet's rest, completed her century with a couple on the first ball of the 24th over of India's innings.

Fastest hundreds for IND-W in WODIs (by balls taken)

70 - Smriti Mandhana vs IRE-W, Rajkot, 2025

87 - Harmanpreet Kaur vs SA-W, Bengaluru, 2024

90 - Harmanpreet Kaur vs AUS-W, Derby, 2017

90 - Jemimah Rodrigues vs IRE-W, Rajkot, 2025

98 - Harleen Deol vs WI-W, Vadodara, 2024

In achieving this milestone, Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score 10 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This accomplishment placed her in a tie for third place on the all-time list alongside Australia's Tammy Beaumont, who also has 10 centuries. Prior to the match, Mandhana was sharing the fourth position with Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu, as well as England's Charlotte Edwards and Nat Sciver-Brunt. The record for the most centuries in Women's ODIs is held by former Australia captain Meg Lanning, who has achieved 15 centuries, followed by New Zealand's Suzie Bates, who also has 10.

Most hundreds in Women’s ODIs

15 - Meg Lanning

13 - Suzie Bates

10 - Tammy Beaumont

10 - Smriti Mandhana

9 - Chamari Athapaththu

9 - Charlotte Edwards

9 - Nat Sciver-Brunt

Mandhana struck seven sixes, matching the record for the most by an Indian woman batter in a One Day International innings, a feat previously achieved by Harmanpreet Kaur, who also hit seven sixes during her innings of 171* off 115 balls against Australia Women in the 2017 World Cup semi-final. Additionally, she equalled Harmanpreet's record for the most sixes by an Indian player in this format, totalling 52.

Having scored 41 and 73 in her previous two ODIs, Mandhana continued her impressive performance by notching her first century of the year. Her recent form has been exceptional; since the beginning of 2024, she has accumulated five centuries and four half-centuries in 16 ODIs. With a total of 996 runs at an average of 62.25, she leads all batters globally in this period.

In her explosive innings on Wednesday, Mandhana hit seven sixes and 12 fours. Just as it appeared she would completely dominate the Ireland bowling attack, she was dismissed for 135 runs off 80 balls while attempting a lap shot against Orla Prendergast, resulting in a catch at fine leg.

Upon Mandhana's dismissal, India had accumulated a total of 233 runs in 26.4 overs. This marked the third-highest partnership in the annals of Women's One Day Internationals for India. The opening collaboration between Mandhana and the young talent Pratika Rawal has proven to be highly beneficial for the team. In the six innings where Mandhana and Pratika have batted together as openers, they have amassed a remarkable 701 runs, including four-century partnerships.

Highest partnerships for IND-W in WODIs (any wicket)

320 - Punam Raut & Deepti Sharma vs IRE-W, Potchefstroom, 2017

258* - Mithali Raj & Reshma Gandhi vs IRE-W, Milton Keynes, 1999

233 - Smriti Mandhana & Pratika Rawal vs IRE-W, Rajkot, 2025

223* - Anjum Chopra & Jaya Sharma vs PAK-W, Karachi, 2005

190 - Smriti Mandhana & Jemimah Rodrigues vs NZ-W, Napier, 2019

India rested Saima Thakor and Priya Mishra, and Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani came in their place in the playing XI. Ireland were unchanged. The hosts have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

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