India women’s vice‑captain Smriti Mandhana is in exceptional form ahead of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. Her impressive performance in the recently concluded three‑match ODI series against Australia has raised hopes for the Indian team. Mandhana was named Player of the Series, scoring 300 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 138.25. The highlight came in the third ODI, where she smashed 125 runs off 63 balls and broke Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian, reaching her ton in just 50 balls.
A statistical comparison after 108 ODIs shows interesting insights between Mandhana and former men’s opener Shikhar Dhawan. Mandhana has accumulated 4,888 runs at an average of 47.92 and a strike rate of 89.93, while Dhawan scored 4,694 runs at an average of 46.47 with a strike rate of 93.99. Mandhana has 13 centuries and 32 half‑centuries, with a highest one‑day score of 136 against South Africa. Dhawan recorded 14 centuries and 25 half‑centuries, his top score being 137, also against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup.
Mandhana’s record in ODI chases is particularly impressive: 2,230 runs at an average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 93.54 in 46 matches, including five centuries and 17 fifties. Dhawan, by contrast, made 2,589 runs at an average of 47.07 with a strike rate of 94.97 in 62 matches, tallying seven centuries and 13 fifties. In winning causes, Mandhana has contributed 3,509 runs at an average of 59.47 and a strike rate of 92.02 in 65 matches, with 10 hundreds and 23 fifties. Dhawan’s figures in victories are 3,370 runs at an average of 54.35 and a strike rate of 98.42 in 67 matches, including 11 centuries and 19 fifties.
As the 2025 Women’s World Cup approaches, Mandhana’s exceptional form and impressive statistics position her as a key player for India. Her ability to perform under pressure, especially in ODI chases and winning situations, suggests she will play a significant role in the tournament.
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