India Women's Cricket Team Cross 400-Run Mark for First Time in ODI History

RAJKOT: The India women's cricket team posted their highest-ever ODI total in history. For the first time in their 47-year-old ODI history, the women’s team crossed the 400-run mark in 50-over cricket, notching up 435 for 5 against Ireland in the third ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday.

Smriti Mandhana blazed her way to the fastest century by an Indian in women’s ODIs, while Pratika Rawal registered her maiden hundred as India posted a mammoth 435 for five. Stand-in skipper Smriti’s scintillating 135 off 80 balls, her 10th ODI century, came at a breathtaking pace, reaching the milestone in just 70 deliveries.

This total also became the fourth-highest in women’s ODI history. Smriti surpassed Harmanpreet Kaur’s 87-ball century record, achieved last year against South Africa. Smriti reached her 31st ODI fifty in just 39 balls, showcasing her dominance with seven sixes and 12 fours. Her fearless approach, including frequent use of the aerial route, kept the runs flowing effortlessly.

Pratika Rawal, the 24-year-old Delhi batter representing Railways, provided the perfect foil to her captain. In just her sixth international innings, she made the occasion memorable with a maiden century, amassing 154 runs off 129 balls. Having debuted in the previous series against the West Indies, Pratika already had three fifties in four innings.

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