Women's World Cup: India's Run-Machine Smriti Mandhana Nearing World Record & Major Milestone

The Women’s World Cup begins on September 30 and will end on November 2. India start their campaign on the opening day vs Sri Lanka while the game against Pakistan is on October 5. One woman who cannot wait to get into action is none other than India’s run-machine Smriti Mandhana. Not only does she want to win India’s maiden Women’s World Cup title, she also has a world record in sight along with a huge milestone that is approaching.

World Record Beckons Smriti Mandhana in Women’s World Cup

The 29-year-old Smriti currently has scored 13 centuries in ODI cricket. The world record for most ODI 100s in women’s cricket belongs to Australia’s Meg Lanning, who is no longer an active player. She has 15 to her name. Smriti needs three 100s to go past Lanning and has a minimum of seven and maximum of nine innings to do so. Given her recent form that made her the No. 1 ICC ODI batter, it is certainly on the cards.

© X/BCCI

She is currently tied with New Zealand’s Suzie Bates in second spot so she does have competition for the world record. That is bound to make her only more determined to go to the top of the list.

Major Milestone Approaching for Smriti Mandhana in Women’s World Cup

Other than the potential world record, Smriti is also closing in on a major milestone in her career. The right-hander needs 112 runs to join the 5000 club. Only four players till now have achieved it. She will become the fifth in Women’s ODIs and second among Indian players. Mithali Raj was the first to do so and she leads the overall pack with 7805 runs to her credit.

© X/BCCI

India in Search of Maiden Women’s World Cup Title

India have never won the Women’s World Cup. Their best performance was losing in the 2017 final to England. They also lost to Australia in the 2005 final. Smriti played the 2017 final and made a duck so this time she will look to redeem herself if India goes the distance.

Australia are the favourites and defending champions. They won seven out of the 12 editions played so far. An eighth title is certainly on the cards. India have the home advantage for most games and will need to make use of that. Can they lift the Women’s World Cup trophy on November 2? It is possible. Will day? That remains to be seen.