Mandhana scores 125 in Delhi as Australia seal 2-1 ODI series win

Smriti Mandhana produced a blistering century but India fell short as Australia won the third and final ODI at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, clinching the series 2-1. Mandhana scored 125 off 63 balls, reaching three figures in 50 deliveries — the fastest ODI century by any Indian batter — but India were bowled out for 369 while chasing Australia’s 412, losing by 43 runs.

Australia’s total was powered by Beth Mooney, who smashed 138 off 75 balls, and substantial contributions from Georgia Voll (81) and Ellyse Perry (68). The visitors piled up 412 before a late wobble, a total that forced India into a daunting chase of 413. Match reports said Australia and India combined for 781 runs, the highest aggregate in a women’s ODI, and that the game featured a record 111 boundaries.

Mandhana’s assault began from the second ball she faced and accelerated early. She reached 50 in 23 balls, which reports described as the fastest half-century by an Indian in women’s ODIs, and combined with captain Harmanpreet Kaur in a 121-run partnership that put India firmly in the contest. Mandhana brought up her century with a six off Alana King in the 18th over and finished with 17 fours and...