In a stunning display of batting prowess, Smriti Mandhana led the Indian women's cricket team to a record-breaking total of 342 runs for seven wickets in the final of the ODI Tri-Nation Series against Sri Lanka, held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Mandhana's magnificent innings of 116 runs off 101 balls not only propelled India to their highest-ever score in an away Women's ODI match but also marked her 11th ODI century.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India set out to establish a commanding total. The pitch, which initially posed challenges for the batters, gradually improved as the innings progressed. Mandhana, however, quickly adapted, showcasing her elegant stroke play and determination. Her innings included 15 boundaries and two sixes, demonstrating her ability to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Mandhana’s innings began cautiously, as she took her time to settle in, scoring her first runs off her fourth delivery. Partnering with Pratika Rawal, the duo compiled a solid 70-run opening stand. Rawal contributed 30 runs off 49 balls before falling to Inoka Ranaweera, who had earlier dropped Mandhana when she was on 21. This proved to be a costly mistake for the Sri Lankan side.
Once Rawal was dismissed, Mandhana found an able partner in Harleen Deol. Together, they forged a remarkable 120-run partnership for the second wicket, with Deol scoring 47 runs off 56 balls. Mandhana’s century came in the 31st over, reached in just 92 balls, as she unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including three consecutive fours off Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Following Mandhana’s dismissal, which came as she attempted to push the scoring rate higher, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues continued the momentum. Kaur scored 41 runs off 30 balls, while Rodrigues made a quick-fire 44 off just 29 deliveries. The Indian innings concluded with contributions from Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur, who scored 20 not out and 18 runs respectively, pushing the total past the 340-run mark.
For Sri Lanka, the bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, and Dewmi Vihanga each took two wickets, but their efforts were undermined by missed catches and poor fielding. The Sri Lankan bowlers failed to apply consistent pressure, allowing India to score a staggering 90 runs in the last four overs of their innings.
This match marked a significant milestone for the Indian women's team, as they not only set their highest score in an away ODI but also became the first team to breach the 340-run barrier on Sri Lankan soil in ODIs. The previous record for India's highest score in an away ODI was 333 for five against England in Canterbury in 2022.
Mandhana's performance is particularly noteworthy as she climbed to third place in the list of most centuries in Women's ODIs, surpassing England's Tammy Beaumont. Only Meg Lanning and Suzie Bates have more centuries than Mandhana in this format.
As the match progressed, the Sri Lankan team faced an uphill battle to chase down the mammoth total set by India. The loss of momentum in the middle overs and the inability to capitalize on early chances proved detrimental to their efforts. The Indian bowlers will need to maintain their focus and discipline to defend this impressive total.
In the context of the ongoing series, this victory not only boosts India’s confidence ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup later this year but also serves as a testament to the team's depth and talent. With several players stepping up to contribute significantly, the Indian women's cricket team is poised for a successful campaign in the upcoming tournament.
With this performance, Smriti Mandhana has solidified her status as one of the leading players in women's cricket, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure and lead her team to victory. As the tri-series final unfolds, all eyes will be on the Indian bowlers to see if they can replicate the batting success with an equally strong performance in the field.
In conclusion, the Indian women's cricket team has set a high bar for themselves with this record total, and as they look ahead, they will aim to carry this momentum into their future matches. The final score of 342/7 reflects not only the individual brilliance of Mandhana but also the collective effort of the entire team, marking a historic day in women's cricket.
