Smriti Mandhana has done it again! 'What a player!'—as she becomes the first-ever cricketer to hit four centuries in women’s ODIs in a single year, making India proud on the global stage.On Wednesday, December 11, Smriti achieved the feat at the WACA Ground in Perth during the third One-Day International between Australia and India. Smriti opened the innings for Harmanpreet Kaur's squad in the 299-run chase, scoring 105 runs off 109 balls with 14 fours and one six. The left-handed batsman contributed 118 runs for the second wicket alongside Harleen Deol (39) to keep India in contention, but following Deol's exit, India lost momentum and was bowled out for 215 runs in 45.1 overs.Mandhana achieved her half-century from 50 balls in the 14th over, as India's outlook appeared promising with a run rate over five an over and just one wicket lost. She reached her century by guiding a delivery from King to short fine leg, achieving the milestone in 103 balls. Nevertheless, she was out just two overs later for 105, triggering India's downfall.This century marked Mandhana's fourth of the year, coming after two back-to-back centuries against South Africa in June and one more against New Zealand in October. Her accomplishment of four centuries within a single calendar year establishes a new benchmark in women's ODIs, exceeding the former record set by seven players, who each hit three centuries in a year.Also Read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya set to miss first 2 ODIs against AustraliaMandhana's recent century has also enhanced her rank on the all-time century leaderboard in women's ODIs, increasing her total to nine. She is currently level with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Charlotte Edwards in shared fourth position. Tammy Beaumont, who has 10 ODI centuries, is the next goal for Mandhana.Top ODI Centuries in a Single Calendar YearPlayerCenturiesYearSmriti Mandhana42024Belinda Clark31997Meg Lanning32016Amy Satterthwaite32016Sophie Devine32018Sidra Amin32022Nat Sciver-Brunt32023Laura Wolvaardt32024Mandhana's outstanding performance in 2024 highlights her position as one of the top batters in women's cricket, even with India's difficulties in the series against Australia.
