Team India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana once again proved why she’s regarded as the heartbeat of Indian women’s cricket. On a bright Sunday afternoon at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Mandhana entered the record books by becoming the youngest and fastest batter to reach 5000 runs in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs).
A knock of class and control by Smriti Mandhana
The left-hander played an innings that combined elegance with aggression, smashing a brilliant 80 off just 66 balls. Her knock, which featured nine boundaries and three majestic sixes, was a masterclass in timing and placement. From crisp drives through the covers to well-judged pulls, Mandhana dictated the tempo right from the start and never allowed the Australian bowlers to settle.
Her innings was more than just a personal milestone — it was a statement of intent. Mandhana’s dominance at the crease set the tone for India’s innings and gave the packed Visakhapatnam crowd plenty to cheer for. Every run she scored carried the stamp of confidence that has defined her stellar career.
Record partnership with debutant Pratika Rawal
Mandhana found an able partner in debutant Pratika Rawal, who looked composed beyond her years. The duo added a solid 155-run opening partnership, laying a perfect platform for India’s innings. While Mandhana played the role of aggressor, Rawal rotated the strike efficiently, showcasing maturity and patience in her unbeaten 67 off 85 deliveries.
Their partnership frustrated Australia’s bowlers, who struggled to extract movement or discipline on a flat pitch. It wasn’t until Sophie Molineux induced a mistimed stroke from Mandhana — caught by Phoebe Litchfield — that the visitors finally broke through. But by then, the damage had been done, and India were already cruising towards a formidable total.
A milestone for the ages
At just 29 years old, Mandhana’s journey to 5000 ODI runs encapsulates her unwavering consistency and hunger for excellence. She reached the milestone in record time, surpassing several legendary names in women’s cricket. Her ability to score across conditions and against world-class attacks has made her one of the most complete batters of her generation.
From her debut as a teenager to now being the fastest and youngest to 5000 runs, Mandhana’s career is an inspiring story of perseverance and evolution. Her milestone drew a thunderous ovation from the home crowd, a moment that underlined how deeply she has connected with cricket fans across the country.
India eventually posted 330 runs in 48.5 overs, thanks largely to the top-order brilliance of Mandhana and Rawal. Though the middle order faltered after Mandhana’s dismissal, Rawal’s composed 75-run knock ensured India had a healthy total to defend.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
