India Women opener Smriti Mandhana added another feather to her cap by overtaking New Zealand’s Amy Satterthwaite to become the seventh-highest run-getter
in women’s ODIs. The milestone came during India’s first ODI against Australia at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, where Mandhana played a fluent knock of 58 runs off 63 balls. Her innings, laced with six boundaries and two sixes, came at an impressive strike rate of 92.06 and set the tone for the hosts' innings, as they opted to bat first.
With this, Mandhana now has 4646 runs in 106 ODIs at an impressive average of 46.46, including 11 centuries and 32 fifties, with a career-best score of 136. She surpassed Satterthwaite, who had accumulated 4399 runs in 145 matches with seven centuries. Among Indian batters, only the legendary Mithali Raj is ahead of her. Raj continues to dominate the record books with a staggering tally of 7805 runs in 232 matches at an average of 50.68, scoring seven centuries and 64 half-centuries, with the highest score of 125*.
The match also marked a milestone for India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was playing her 150th ODI. However, it was not a memorable outing for her as she managed only 11 runs from nine deliveries.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 281/7 in 50 overs. Alongside Mandhana, opener Pratika Rawal impressed with a solid 64 from 96 balls, helping stitch a 114-run opening partnership. At No. 3, Harleen Deol played positively, scoring 54 off 57 balls to maintain momentum.
For Australia, Megan Schutt was the most effective bowler, finishing with 2/45 in seven overs, while Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, and Tahlia McGrath chipped in with a wicket each. Chasing 282, Australia lost their skipper Alyssa Healy for 27, bowled by Kranti Goud.
This three-match ODI series is seen as a vital preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. India will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on September 30, making these matches crucial for building momentum. The second ODI will take place on Wednesday, September 17, at the same venue.
