Team India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana Proving once again why she is considered the heartbeat of Indian women’s cricket. On a bright Sunday afternoon at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Mandhana etched her name in the record books by becoming the youngest and fastest batsman to reach 5000 runs in a Women’s One Day International (ODI).
Smriti Mandhana knocks out class and control
The left-handed batsman played an innings that mixed elegance with aggression as he scored a brilliant 80 off just 66 balls. His innings, which included nine fours and three brilliant sixes, was a masterclass in timing and placement. From crisp drives through covers to well-pulled pulls, Mandhana set the pace from the start and never allowed the Australian bowlers to settle down.
His innings was not just a personal milestone – it was a statement of intent. Mandhana’s dominance at the crease set the tone for India’s innings and gave the packed Visakhapatnam crowd a chance to cheer. Every run he scored brought the mark of confidence that has defined his illustrious career.
Record partnership with debutant Pratika Raval
Mandhana found a capable partner in the form of a debutant Pratika RawalWho was looking calmer than her age. The duo made a solid partnership of 155 runs for the first wicket and set a perfect platform for India’s innings. While Mandhana played the aggressive role, Raval displayed maturity and composure by scoring an unbeaten 67 off 85 balls while rotating the strike efficiently.
Their partnership frustrated Australia’s bowlers, who struggled to achieve movement or discipline on the flat pitch. It wasn’t until Sophie Molineux mistimed a stroke from Mandhana that it was caught. Phoebe Lichfield – that the visitors eventually broke through. But by then, the damage was done, and India were already heading towards a strong target.
A milestone for the ages
Mandhana’s journey to 5000 ODI runs at the age of just 29 reflects her unwavering consistency and hunger for excellence. She reached this milestone in record time, leaving behind many legendary names in women’s cricket. His ability to score in a variety of conditions and against world-class attacks has made him one of the most complete batsmen of his generation.
From making her debut as a teenager to becoming the fastest and youngest ever to score 5000 runs, Mandhana’s career has been an inspiring story of perseverance and growth. Her achievement was met with thunderous applause from the home crowd, a moment that underlined how deeply she connected with cricket fans across the country.
Thanks to the top-order talent of Mandhana and Raval, India eventually scored 330 runs in 48.5 overs. Although the middle order faltered after Mandhana’s dismissal, Raval’s patient innings of 75 ensured that India had a healthy score to defend.
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This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.