Mullanpur, Sep 17: Smriti Mandhana produced a breathtaking knock to script history as India Women handed Australia their heaviest-ever ODI defeat, winning by 102 runs in the second match of the three-game series on Wednesday. The emphatic victory not only leveled the series 1-1 but also underlined India’s World Cup preparations with a statement win.
Mandhana blazed her way to 117 off just 91 balls, hammering 14 fours and four sixes, to register the second-fastest ODI century by an Indian woman reaching three figures in 77 balls. With her innings, India piled up their highest-ever ODI total of 292 before bowling Australia out for 190 in 40.5 overs.
Australia’s chase faltered from the outset as India’s disciplined bowling restricted them to 25/2 in the first 10 overs. Kranti Goud (3/28) led the attack, dismissing skipper Alyssa Healy early, while Deepti Sharma (2/40) applied the finishing touches with key breakthroughs. Renuka Thakur, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav also chipped in with crucial wickets, supported by sharp fielding efforts.
Despite fighting knocks from Ellyse Perry (44) and Annabel Sutherland (45), the visitors never recovered from the early blows, succumbing to scoreboard pressure. Australia’s defeat by a margin of 100-plus runs was their first such loss in ODI history — a significant setback for the seven-time world champions less than two weeks before the Women’s World Cup.
Earlier, Mandhana set the tone alongside young opener Pratika Rawal (25), putting on a brisk 70-run partnership. Contributions from Deepti Sharma (40), Richa Ghosh (29), and Sneh Rana (24*) ensured India reached a commanding total close to the 300-mark, despite slowing down after Mandhana’s dismissal.
The decisive third ODI, which will determine the series winner, is scheduled for September 20 in New Delhi.