Smriti Mandhana Scripts History with 11th ODI Ton as India Post Mammoth 342/7 in Tri-Series Final Against Sri Lanka

Colombo, May 11: Star Indian opener Smriti Mandhana etched her name deeper into the record books with a scintillating century in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. The left-hander struck a majestic 116 off 101 balls, laced with 15 fours and 2 sixes, to lead India to an imposing total of 342/7 in 50 overs.

The 28-year-old’s 11th century in One Day Internationals saw her surpass England’s Tammy Beaumont (10 centuries) to become the third-highest century-maker in women’s ODI history. Only Australia’s Meg Lanning (15) and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates (13) now stand ahead of her.

Mandhana also crossed a significant career milestone, becoming only the second Indian woman after Mithali Raj to surpass the 4,000-run mark in ODIs. She now boasts 4,450 runs in 102 matches at an average exceeding 46, including 31 half-centuries.

After India won the toss and opted to bat first, Mandhana got off to a steady start, carefully navigating the initial overs in a 70-run opening stand with Pratika Rawal (30 off 49). Once settled, Mandhana unleashed her trademark strokes, seamlessly switching gears to dominate the Lankan attack.

Her most explosive moment came when she was batting on 88. Facing Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu, Mandhana hammered four consecutive boundaries to bring up her century in just 92 balls, sending the Indian dressing room into raptures.

Partnering Harleen Deol for a crucial 120-run stand for the second wicket, Mandhana provided India with the perfect platform. Deol contributed a solid 47 off 56 balls before falling just short of a deserved fifty. Mandhana’s knock came to an end while trying to hit a third consecutive boundary off Dewmi Vihanga, only to be caught at point.

The Indian innings didn’t lose momentum as Harmanpreet Kaur (41 off 30) and Jemimah Rodrigues (44 off 29) provided late fireworks, propelling India past the 340-run mark.

Most Centuries in Women’s ODI History

Meg Lanning (AUS) – 15 in 103 matches
Suzie Bates (NZ) – 13 in 168 matches
Smriti Mandhana (IND) – 11 in 102 matches
Tammy Beaumont (ENG) – 10 in 126 matches
Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG) – 9 in 114 matches

Mandhana is now just 271 runs short of Lanning’s career run tally, and with age on her side, she could well be on her way to becoming one of the greatest in the women’s game.

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