In a thrilling encounter during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Smriti Mandhana made headlines for an astonishing on-field decision reversal. This incident unfolded on October 23 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai during a match between India and New Zealand.
Key Incident Overview
The incident took place in the 27th over when Mandhana was batting at 77. Facing a delivery from Amelia Kerr, she attempted a sweep but missed. The on-field umpire adjudged her out immediately, raising his finger. Mandhana reacted quickly, consulting with teammate Pratika Rawal before deciding to take a review.
However, in an unexpected twist, Mandhana appeared unsure of her situation and began to walk back to the dressing room even after signaling for the review. The replay revealed an edge, confirming the umpire’s decision. This result left Mandhana visibly stunned, yet it granted her the opportunity to continue her innings.
Mandhana’s Remarkable Performance
Following the unexpected reprieve, Mandhana capitalized on her second chance. She went on to score her first century of the tournament, achieving this milestone in just 89 balls. Her innings contributed significantly to a formidable opening partnership with Pratika Rawal.
- Mandhana’s century is her 14th in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
- She is now just one century away from equaling Meg Lanning’s record for the most ODI centuries among women.
- This century marks her 17th overall in international cricket, tying her with Lanning for the most in history.
- Additionally, it is Mandhana’s fifth ODI century in 2025, which is the joint most in a calendar year alongside Tazmin Britz of South Africa.
- She has now hit three centuries in Women’s World Cup history, tied for the most by an Indian player with Harmanpreet Kaur.
Impact on the Tournament
Mandhana’s performance has been pivotal, with over 300 runs to her name in the ongoing tournament. Despite a slow start, she has emerged as a dominant player, showcasing her skills and determination.
This incident not only highlights the unpredictability of cricket but also underscores Mandhana’s resilience as she continues to etch her name into the record books of women’s cricket.
