New Delhi: Smriti Mandhana hit a superb century in the ongoing third Women’s ODI between India and Australia to join the likes of Chamari Athapaththu, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Charlotte Edwards in the all-time list of centuries in women’s ODI cricket.

Mandhana smashed his ninth ODI ton during India’s chase of 299 in the final ODI. The Indian team have already lost the series but Mandhana’s century gives the visitors a golden chance to earn a consolation win.

Mandhana scores landmark ton

The stylish Indian batter, who broke Mithali Raj’s record for most ODI hundreds by an Indian batter in October, reached her ninth century in 103 balls. Chasing a massive total of 299, Mandhana’s knock set a perfect platform for India to chase the daunting total. Mandhana and Harleen Deol added 118 runs for the second wicket after India lost Richa Ghosh early in the fifth over.

Earlier, Annabel Sutherland scored a magnificent century to power Australia to a massive total of 298 for 6 in 50 overs. Ashleigh Gardner and Taliha McGrath scored crucial half-centuries in the middle order to take the Aussies close to the 300-run mark. Arundhati Reddy was the lone bright spark for India, picking up four Australian wickets.

However, Mandhan’s stay at the crease ended soon after she reached the landmark century. Under pressure to keep up with the required run rate, Mandhana was dismissed for 105 by Ashleigh Gardner. Her knock, which came off 109 balls, was studded with, 14 boundaries and a six.

Mandhana also became the first batter in the history of women’s cricket to score four ODI centuries in a year.

Meanwhile, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s poor run with the bat continued with yet another failure. Harmanpreet’s inning lasted 22 balls but she only managed to score 12 runs without hitting a boundary. Deepti Sharma, another experienced player, was dismissed for a duck.

Most centuries in ODI women’s cricket