Smriti Mandhana’s sensational hundred knock against New Zealand in the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2025 has elevated her status as one of the best in women’s cricket. The ace batter’s century in this crucial match propelled India to a strong position, as they look to secure a vital victory in the tournament. Mandhana’s brilliant stroke play and composure under pressure were evident throughout her innings, bringing her one step closer to the all-time ODI greats. This century also marked another record-breaking feat in Mandhana’s illustrious career.
Smriti Mandhana shatters multiple records with her stunning century against New Zealand
Mandhana’s century against New Zealand has placed her in the record books in more ways than one. With 14 ODI hundreds to her name, Mandhana surpassed Suzie Bates of New Zealand, becoming the second-highest century scorer in women’s ODI cricket. The only player ahead of her now is Meg Lanning, who retired with 15 centuries. Mandhana also equaled Harmanpreet Kaur’s record for most World Cup centuries by an Indian player, having now scored three in World Cup tournaments. Her innings has been a major talking point, as it came at a time when India desperately needed a win to stay alive in the tournament.
Mandhana’s century also marked another milestone, she now holds the record for the most sixes hit by a woman in a single calendar year. She reached 29 sixes in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 28 sixes by South Africa’s Lizelle Lee in 2017. Her remarkable ability to clear the ropes consistently has been a major asset to India in this World Cup. In this innings, Mandhana’s partnership with Pratika Rawal helped India get off to a flying start, with the duo putting together their seventh century opening stand, which is the most by any Indian pair in Women’s ODIs.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Smriti Mandhana 💯 pic.twitter.com/PYnN9PSLkh
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) October 23, 2025
A hundred for Smriti Mandhana in a must-win game against New Zealand. @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/chsroSTZCx
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) October 23, 2025
World Cup Hundred for Smriti Mandhana. 💯
She has earsed all the trolls of India only performing in bilaterals but not in the World Cup. She is truly the best. 👌
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) October 23, 2025
One number 18 scores a duck. Another number 18 scores a hundred. On the same day. Tells you how cricket can be such a great leveller.#AUSvIND #INDWvNZW #CWC25
— Ronald D Sampson (@rdsampson_25) October 23, 2025
Smriti Mandhana finding form at this stage of the tournament bodes really well for India. Sensational knock today. 💯 #CWC25
— Sanket (0.1% on Sudoku) (@SankandDeliver) October 23, 2025
Highest opening partnership in #CWC25 ✅
Highest ever partnership for 🇮🇳 in Women’s World Cup history 👏#GujaratGiants #BringItOn #Adani pic.twitter.com/N8RjC1YlFP
— Gujarat Giants (@Giant_Cricket) October 23, 2025
शंभर, Ek number! 💙
WODI 💯 number 1️⃣4️⃣ for Smriti Mandhana! 🇮🇳#AaliRe #CWC25 #INDvNZ | Smriti Mandhana
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 23, 2025
I am happy for the Individual performances from top batter/s more particularly Smriti Mandhana but still the fear of losing game from any situation is always deep inside.#CWC25 pic.twitter.com/rj4I8M5yck
— De Minimis (@JusNecessitatis) October 23, 2025
#INDvNZ
First 💯 at #CWC25 and 14th in ODIs for India opener Smriti Mandhana 🔥#QueenMandhana #SmritiMandhana pic.twitter.com/aPAA9PWaIW— Rakshit Sharma (@RakshitSharma32) October 23, 2025
1️⃣4️⃣th ODI hundred for Smriti Mandhana 🙌#women #cricket #smritimandhana #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/DRAdfBTMvK
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 23, 2025
Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s record-breaking partnership puts India in Command
Mandhana’s explosive century and Pratika’s near-perfect knock have given India a firm grip on the match against New Zealand in the 24th game of the Women’s World Cup 2025. Mandhana, who has been in outstanding form, raced to her third World Cup century in just 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes. Rawal, on the other hand, was steady and composed, currently unbeaten on 98 from 118 balls, providing excellent support.
Together, they shared a 200-run stand for the first wicket, which has set a new benchmark for Indian opening partnerships in Women’s ODIs. This partnership has also equaled the record for the most century stands by any Indian pair in World Cup history, further highlighting their dominance. Their remarkable performances not only put India in a commanding position but also break several records, with Mandhana now holding the most sixes by a female batter in a calendar year. Their partnership is setting the stage for a massive total and has effectively put India in control of the game.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
