Mandhana Makes History: Fastest Indian To Score ODI Century, Surpasses Kohli

In a thrilling chase of a massive 413-run target, Smriti Mandhana delivered a sensational performance for India, giving her team the perfect start and putting Australia on the back foot. Earlier this year, Mandhana had already set the record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman, achieving a 70-ball hundred. On Saturday, she went a step further, surpassing the all-time Indian record previously held by Virat Kohli.

During the third and final ODI between India and Australia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Mandhana's masterclass with the bat saw her reach a century in just 50 balls, eclipsing Kohli's record of a 52-ball hundred, which he scored against Australia in Jaipur in October 2013. Mandhana, already the fastest Indian woman to achieve a century in ODIs, broke her own previous 70-ball record, cementing her place in cricket history.

Globally, Mandhana now ranks second among women for the fastest ODI century, behind Meg Lanning, who achieved a 45-ball hundred against New Zealand in Sydney in 2012.

Mandhana's extraordinary innings, coupled with a solid contribution from Harmanpreet Kaur, helped India reach 204/2 in 20 overs while chasing Australia's massive total of 412.

Australia's innings was powered by Beth Mooney, who scored a brilliant 138, contributing to the team's joint-highest score in women's ODIs during this series-deciding match. On a sweltering afternoon, Australia attacked aggressively, exploiting the flat pitch, short boundaries, fast outfield, and inconsistent Indian bowling and fielding.

Captain Alyssa Healy set the tone early with a quick 30, followed by fluent innings from Georgia Voll (81) and Ellyse Perry (68), maintaining the momentum throughout. Mooney's consistent boundary-hitting kept Australia ahead, securing a commanding position and eventual 2-1 series victory over India.