When the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup began in Guwahati almost a month ago, India were high on hope to break their big tournament jinx. For that, runs from Smriti Mandhana’s bat were going to be crucial.

After an indifferent start to the tournament, the left-hander came into her own in the innings against Australia at Vizag, where an 80 off 66 balls helped her regain confidence and rhythm.

Smriti took India almost to victory’s doorstep against England but her best was seen on Thursday in the crucial game against New Zealand at the D.Y. Patil Stadium. She sizzled her way to a 14th ODI hundred – India’s first in the tournament – setting the best possible foundation, along with Pratika Rawal, to take the co-hosts to a massive score.

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