India Women’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is in exceptional form ahead of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. Mandhana’s impressive performance in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Australia has raised hopes for the Indian team.
Mandhana was named the Player of the Series, totaling 300 runs in three innings with a strike rate of 138.25. Her notable performance includes a 125-run innings off 63 balls in the third ODI, where she surpassed Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian, reaching her ton in 50 balls.
A statistical comparison between Mandhana and former men’s opener Shikhar Dhawan after 108 ODIs reveals interesting insights. Mandhana has scored 4,888 runs at an average of 47.92 and a strike rate of 89.93, while Dhawan had 4,694 runs at an average of 46.47 and a strike rate of 93.99.
In terms of centuries, Mandhana has 13 hundreds and 32 half-centuries, with her best one-day score of 136 coming against South Africa. Dhawan, on the other hand, had 14 hundreds and 25 half-centuries, with his best score of 137 against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup.
Mandhana’s record in ODI chases is also impressive, with 2,230 runs at an average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 93.54 in 46 matches. She has hammered five hundreds and 17 fifties in ODI chases. In comparison, Dhawan had 2,589 runs at an average of 47.07 and a strike rate of 94.97 in 62 matches, with seven tons and 13 fifties.
In winning causes, Mandhana has scored 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, on the other hand, had 3,370 runs at an average of 54.35 and a strike rate of 98.42 in 67 matches, with 11 hundreds and 19 fifties.
As the 2025 Women’s World Cup approaches, Mandhana’s exceptional form and impressive statistics make her a key player for the Indian team. With her ability to perform under pressure and her impressive record in ODI chases and wins, Mandhana is expected to play a significant role in the tournament.
