Smriti Mandhana wasn’t having the best of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Throughout the year, India’s vice-captain was in red-hot form. But once the big ICC event arrived, her bat went quiet. In India’s first 3 matches, Mandhana scored just 54 runs.
But against the toughest opponent, Australia, she finally woke up from her slumber. She played a stunning 80-run knock from 66 balls. Unfortunately, she missed out on a well-deserved hundred. India lost that match and needed to win the remaining matches to confirm their spot for the Women’s ODI World Cup quarterfinals.
Mandhana knew this. So, against England, while chasing 289, she brought her best. The 29-year-old had read the game and, instead of racing off the block, took up a measured approach. Mandhana knew taking the game deep was the best option.
Mandhana brings her best against England
She took time and tried to build partnerships. She and Harmanpreet Kaur took control of the chase until the India captain fell for 70 in the 31st over. She knew India needed her. So, Mandhana continues to play cautiously with Deepti Sharma. However, around the 37th over, she started to suffer physically.
Fatigue and cramps were causing her trouble. Mandhana continued despite this. But her feet movement just wasn’t the case. Getting close to her hundred, the Indian opener was itching. And then, in a moment of brain fade, Mandhana chipped the ball to the fielder at long-off and had to walk back at 88.
The job was more or less done. But Mandhana would have liked to take India home and score her first hundred of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. India was 234/4 in 41.2 overs and needed 55 runs from 52 balls. Mandhana did her best, and now, it was on others to take the Women in Blue home.
Smriti Mandhana in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
Scores: 8 vs Sri Lanka, 23 vs Pakistan, 23 vs South Africa, 80 vs Australia, 88 vs England
Runs: 222
Average: 44.40
Strike Rate: 94.87
