Smriti Mandhana in 2024: Record 4 ODI Tons, 9 Career Hundreds, Spin Woes in T20Is Continue

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Smriti Mandhana, the face of Indian women’s cricket, has rewritten the record books with a phenomenal run in 2024. She recently created history by becoming the first batter in women’s ODIs to score four centuries in a single calendar year.

Her latest ton came against Australia at the WACA, showcasing her incredible form in 2024 and cementing her place among the elite in women’s international cricket.

Record-Breaking Achievement for Smriti Mandhana

Mandhana’s fourth century of the year came against Australia at the iconic WACA, where she showcased her class despite India’s defeat. Chasing 299, Mandhana stood tall amid a faltering Indian batting order, compiling a sublime knock that set a new benchmark in women’s cricket.

According to Wisden, her four centuries broke the previous record of three centuries in a calendar year, a milestone achieved by seven batters in the past.

Mandhana’s incredible form also propelled her to nine career ODI centuries, tying her with Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu for the joint-highest tally by an Asian batter. Her journey to this feat was paved with standout performances, including back-to-back hundreds against South Africa in June and another brilliant ton versus New Zealand in October.

While Mandhana has been a beacon of consistency, her contributions go beyond mere numbers. Her centuries have come under various challenging circumstances, demonstrating her adaptability across conditions and against top-quality opposition.

Her innings against New Zealand, in particular, was lauded for its calculated aggression, guiding India to a memorable victory.

Her performances have not only bolstered India’s middle-order but have also cemented her status as one of the most reliable batters in world cricket. With nine centuries, Mandhana is now in joint fourth place on the all-time women’s ODI century list, alongside legends like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards.

A Mixed Year in Other Formats

While Mandhana’s ODI exploits have been historic, her T20I performances in 2024 left much to be desired, with her campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup being particularly underwhelming.

She scored just 75 runs in four innings, averaging 18.75 with a modest strike rate of 94.93. Her highest score, a fifty against Sri Lanka, stood out in an otherwise dismal run that exposed her difficulties against spin-friendly conditions.

Dismissed by spinners thrice during the tournament, Mandhana struggled to adjust to slower pitches, often getting stuck in the crease. This weakness was particularly glaring in key matches, as India’s batting lineup faltered without meaningful contributions from their vice-captain.

In contrast, Mandhana had a standout season in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, showcasing her versatility and leadership. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, she amassed 300 runs across 10 matches with a strike rate of 133.92, including two fifties.

Her 80-run knock in a high-pressure game underlined her ability to rise to the occasion, helping RCB secure a spot in the final.

What Next for Smriti Mandhana?

Smriti Mandhana’s 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered for her ODI dominance. However, it also underlines areas for improvement, especially in T20s, where India will look to her for explosive starts in future tournaments.

As Mandhana continues to evolve, her fans and critics alike can expect even greater heights in the years to come. Her record-breaking year serves as both a testament to her skill and a reminder of her potential to inspire the next generation of cricketers.