Smriti Mandhana has made headlines by surpassing Mithali Raj for the best Women’s ODI World Cup campaign by an Indian batter. This achievement occurred during the final match against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Mandhana scored 45 runs off 58 balls, which included eight boundaries, contributing to a crucial century partnership with Shafali Verma.
Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Performance
Throughout the tournament, Mandhana emerged as India’s highest run-scorer, accumulating a total of 434 runs in nine innings. Her impressive performance includes a century and two fifties, culminating in an average of 54.25. Her best score of the tournament was 109 runs.
Comparison with Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj previously held the record for the best World Cup campaign for India, achieving 409 runs in the 2017 edition. Raj’s performance consisted of a century and three fifties, with an average of 45.44. She fell just short of surpassing England’s Tammy Beaumont, who scored 410 runs during the same tournament.
Mandhana’s Overall ODI Stats
- Matches Played: 23
- Total Runs: 1,362
- Average: 61.90
- Centuries: 5
- Fifties: 5
- Best Score: 135
Impact on the Match
In the final match, South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first. This match not only marked the conclusion of the tournament but also witnessed the crowning of a new world champion.
Playing XIs
| Team | Playing XI |
|---|---|
| India Women | Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur |
| South Africa Women | Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba |
As Smriti Mandhana surpasses Mithali Raj, she not only secures her place in history but also sets a new benchmark for future Indian cricketers to aspire to in the Women’s ODI World Cup.
