Not long after regaining top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, Smriti Mandhana proved to the world why she belongs at the top. The 29-year-old slammed a century in the second ODI vs Australia. This was after making a 50 in the first one. Her knock allowed India to post 292.

The left-handed Mandhana made 117 in 91 balls with 14 fours and four sixes. This was her 12th ODI 100. She is inching closer to the world record of 15 ODI tons by Meg Lanning. This was her third ODI 100 in 2025 and it makes her the first woman to score two or more ODI 100s in a calendar year. She had done so in 2024.

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The experienced Mandhana has been around since 2013. Because she was only a kid when she began playing for India, she has experience and time on her side. This return to form is also good news for India ahead of the ODI World Cup.

The Indian women begin their World Cup campaign on September 30 vs Sri Lanka. India have never won it but came close when they made the final in 2017. Mandhana played in that game and now will hope to do one better.

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If India are to become champions, Mandhana is the key factor. Over the course of this innings, she once more showed the havoc her bat can cause. Over time she has perfected her skills and it showed in how she put the ball away.

India are ready for the World Cup and Mandhana is ready to pick up the torch. Who knows? She may end up winning it for India. Can she? Yes, very much so! Will she, only time will tell.