Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana added yet another feather to her cap by scoring her 11th ODI century in the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
The left-handed opener dazzled the crowd with a stellar knock of 116 runs off 101 balls, laced with 15 fours and 2 sixes.
Mandhana’s innings was not just about brilliance but also about breaking records. With this century, she climbed to third place in the most centuries list for Women’s ODIs, surpassing Tammy Beaumont (10 centuries). She now sits behind Meg Lanning (15 centuries) and Suzie Bates (13 centuries).
After India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first, Mandhana opened cautiously alongside Pratika Rawal, forming a 70-run partnership for the first wicket. Once Rawal departed for 30 runs, Mandhana took charge, accelerating her scoring rate and dismantling Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
Her aggression became evident after the 24th over, when she smashed boundaries off Piumi Badalge and Dewmi Vihanga, pushing India past the 150-run mark in just 29 overs.
Mandhana’s masterclass innings not only strengthened India’s position in the match but also reaffirmed her stature as one of the finest batters in women’s cricket. Fans will now eagerly await whether she can continue this rich vein of form and lead India to victory in the final.
