In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 20, 2025, the Australian women's cricket team defeated India despite a record-breaking century from Smriti Mandhana. Australia set a formidable target of 413 runs, propelled by Beth Mooney's explosive century, leaving India with a daunting chase.
Australia's innings saw significant contributions from several batters. Beth Mooney smashed a blistering 138 off 75 balls, which included 23 fours and one six. Her century was the second-fastest in women's ODI history, achieved in just 57 balls. Georgia Voll contributed a valuable 81 off 68 balls, while Ellyse Perry added 68 off 72. Skipper Alyssa Healy also chipped in with 30 runs. Australia's total of 412 was their joint-highest in women's ODIs and the highest-ever score against India.
Faced with a mammoth target, India's chase was ignited by Smriti Mandhana's spectacular innings. The left-handed opener blazed her way to a century in just 50 balls, setting a new record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian batter, surpassing Virat Kohli's previous record. Mandhana's incredible knock included 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. She formed a formidable partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, adding 121 runs in just 69 deliveries.
Mandhana's record-breaking century is also the second-fastest in the history of women's ODIs, only behind Meg Lanning's 45-ball century against New Zealand. This was also Mandhana's fourth ODI century in a single year, matching her tally from 2024.
Despite Mandhana's explosive innings and Kaur's strong support, the Indian middle order couldn't maintain the required run rate after Mandhana was dismissed for 125 off 63 balls. Grace Harris dismissed Mandhana. The Indian team was eventually bowled out for 148 in 32.4 overs. Australia won the match by 190 runs.
While the Indian team fell short of the target, Smriti Mandhana's performance was one for the record books. Her aggressive batting and fearless approach captivated the audience and demonstrated her exceptional talent. This was the first time that the Indian women's cricket team wore pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness.
