Delhi clash produces highest-ever aggregate in women’s ODIs
Cricket fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi witnessed history on Saturday as Smriti Mandhana lit up the third ODI against Australia with a whirlwind 50-ball century — the second-fastest in women’s ODI history. Her explosive knock headlined a record-breaking contest that saw a staggering 781 runs scored, making it the highest match aggregate ever in women’s ODIs.
Mandhana joins elite company
Mandhana’s hundred, her 13th in the format, places her joint-second on the all-time list alongside New Zealand’s Suzie Bates. Only Meg Lanning (15) sits ahead. The left-hander also became the first Indian — male or female — to score an ODI century faster than Virat Kohli’s 52-ball effort against Australia in 2013.
This was also her second instance of back-to-back centuries in ODIs, following a similar feat against South Africa last year. She now has four hundreds in 2025 alone, equaling the record for most in a calendar year, and has amassed 928 runs this season — closing in on Belinda Clark’s long-standing record of 970 runs in 1997.
Mooney fights back for Australia
Australia’s Beth Mooney was equally destructive, smashing her career-best 138 off just 75 balls. She reached her century in 57 deliveries — at that point the joint second-fastest in women’s ODIs — before Mandhana went one better. Mooney’s knock, featuring 24 boundaries, is now the second-highest individual score by a visiting batter against India, only behind Claire Taylor’s 156 at Lord’s in 2006.
Records shattered in Delhi
The match was nothing short of a statistical carnival:
- 781 runs in total — the most ever in a women’s ODI.
- Australia’s 412/… matched their highest ODI total, previously achieved against Denmark in the 1997 World Cup.
- India’s 369 was the highest successful chase in women’s ODIs, surpassing South Africa’s 321/6 in 2024.
- 111 boundaries were struck (99 fours, 12 sixes), the most in any women’s ODI.
- India raced to 96/2 in the first 10 overs, their second-highest powerplay score in ODIs.
Australia’s dominance continues
Despite Mandhana’s brilliance, Australia sealed an 11th consecutive bilateral ODI series win against India, extending their unbeaten run in such contests. They have now won nine series in a row overall, with their last defeat coming against England in the 2023 Women’s Ashes.
This game was more than just numbers — it showcased the evolution of women’s ODI cricket into a high-octane, boundary-laden spectacle. Mandhana’s fireworks, Mooney’s counterpunch, and the sheer volume of runs highlighted the growing depth and aggression in the women’s game. For India, Mandhana’s form is a massive boost heading into future tournaments, even if Australia once again proved why they remain the benchmark in world cricket.