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Mithali Raj: India needs to work on forming partnerships after a big defeat

The captain of the Indian women's cricket Mithali Raj said in the post-match conference that the team needs to look into forming partnesips.

Sep 22, 2021, 8:19 AM3 min read

Mithali Raj: India needs to work on forming partnerships after a big defeat

Mithali Raj believes that the Indian women batters need to concentrate on raising confidence by building partnerships. She said this in the press conference after the 1st ODI against Australia.

Mithali Raj: India needs to work on forming partnerships after a big defeat | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Getty Images

Read also: Will Mithali Raj change her batting position to prepare for the 2022 Women's World Cup?

The last match of India against Australia resulted in a disastrous loss as Aussie won by a good 9 wickets. Indian somehow scored 225-8 which the hosts easily scored in 41 overs. Mithali Raj said that the team has so much work left in concentrating on partnerships rather than playing "fearless cricket".

In the post-match press conference, she said, "See, when you know the (kind of) batting line up the Australians have, anything closer to 250, is what we were looking at, but losing two wickets, especially batters like Shafali (Verma) and Smriti (Mandhana) in the power-play itself... So, it was important that the middle-order starts to compensate for that and build a partnership, that is what we did with Yastika (Bhatia), but again we didn't get enough partnerships in the lower-middle as well."

She further added, "We need to now have partnerships, rather than thinking about playing fearless cricket, the girls need to get down to developing some partnerships in the middle and that definitely will give them confidence at some point to play fearless."

Mithila's thoughts on the bowlers:

She also feels that the bowlers need to focus on their bowling. The Indian bowling line-up mostly has spinners and everything goes down if they are going for runs.

"Well, see, you don't have plans, but again, it is about executing it on the ground. Sometimes, the bowlers don't get the rhythm, but there are times when you know they get the rhythm but the plan isn't working. Yes, we have a lot to work in terms of our bowling department because, predominantly, we are spin attack and spinners are getting hit everywhere, so that is something we need to tweak."

Read also: Most runs in women's cricket: Mithali Raj on top

Mithila spoke on her personal performances:

"I have always felt, no matter how many runs I score, there is always some scope for improvement and I want to keep my game. I want to evolve as a player too, I know that I have been scoring runs but it isn't enough for the team to win, so there is always room for improvement."

Previously, she faced criticism for her strike rate which she responded with, "Well, for me batting is always about situation, not about strike rate. If you are losing wickets on the other hand, you definitely don't want to end up scoring 150 all out. So, I don't really give that much of a thought to the strike rate."

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Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana

With her 116 from 101 balls against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has scored 11 tons in WODIs. Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

May 11, 2025, 10:01 AM5 min read

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana | sportzpoint.com

With another century in the tri-nation series final against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has extended her lead in the list of Indian players with the most centuries in Women's ODIs. The left-handed opener scored a staggering 116 from 101 balls to help India score 342 in the first inning in Colombo.

Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

Also Read: Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

Most centuries by Indian cricketers (WODI)

7. Jaya Sharma | 2 Centuries

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

Former Indian batter Jaya Sharma was only the second female Indian cricketer to have scored a century in ODI cricket. She smashed two centuries in WODI cricket in her career.

While her first century had come against Pakistan during Women's Asia Cup 2005 in Karachi, she scored another one in a winning effort against Australia in 2007 in Chennai making her the first Indian women to score an ODI century at home.

The left-handed batter could've achieved the milestone a few years before had she converted a couple of nervous 90s into hundreds.

6. Jemimah Rodrigues | 2 Centuries

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in the record books with a blistering century as India Women posted 337/9 in 50 overs against South Africa Women in the fifth match of the Women’s Tri-Series 2025 at Colombo.

Rodrigues delivered a sensational knock of 123 runs off just 101 balls, anchoring the middle overs and setting the tone for a massive total. Her innings featured 15 fours and one six, scored at a strike rate of 121.78.

With this century, Jemimah has now joined the elite list of most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs. This is also Rodrigues' highest score in Women's ODIs after her 102 against Ireland Women earlier this year.

5. Thirush Kamini | 2 Centuries

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

Former Indian and Tamil Nadu opener Thirush Kamini played for India at a time when women's cricket wasn't really picking up in the country. Regardless, she did well in her limited opportunities and notched a ton twice in her ODI career that spanned 39 matches and scored 825 runs at an average of 25.78.

Kamini's maiden ODI hundred came in India's win over the West Indies in the 2013 ODI World Cup. She stroked a 146-ball 100 to power India to a total of 284/6 in the first innings. India won that match comfortably and Thirush Kamini was rightfully awarded the POTM award.

4. Punam Raut | 3 Centuries

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

The diminutive Indian batter Punam Raut was one of the pillars in Indian batting along with Harmanpreet, Smriti, Mithali and Veda Krishnmurthy. Punam has recorded three centuries in women's ODI cricket.

Punam smashed one WODI century at a home venue and two WODI centuries at neutral venues. Her highest score in this format is 109 not out against Ireland Women at Potchefstroom during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur | 6 Centuries

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

Indian Women's Cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the finest batters in Indian women’s cricket history. The right-handed batter has scored six WODI centuries in her career. 

Apart from three home WODI centuries, Harmanpreet also recorded two WODI hundreds at neutral venues and one more at an away venue. Her highest WODI score is 171 not out against Australia Women during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 semi-final.

2. Mithali Raj | 7 Centuries

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

Former Indian cricketer and captain Mithali Raj (7805 runs) is still the only player to score 6000 and 7000 WODI runs. The leading WODI run-scorer was the previous record holder for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She recorded seven WODI hundreds in her career.

While Mithali scored three WODI centuries at home, the right-handed batter recorded three WODI centuries at neutral venues and one at an away venue. Her highest WODI knock was 125 not out against Sri Lanka Women at Katunayake in 2018.

Also Read: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

1. Smriti Mandhana | 11 Centuries

Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana | sportzpoint.com
Smriti Mandhan after scoring her 11th WODI ton in the tri-nation series final vs Sri Lanka. Image | AFP

Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana is one of the best batters in the modern generation. The left-hander holds the record for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She achieved the record solely in January 2025 after scoring a 70-ball century against Ireland in the final ODI of a three-match series in Rajkot. It was her tenth WODI hundred. 

Mandhana has scored four WODI centuries at home, five WODI centuries in away venues, and two WODI hundreds at neutral venues. By scoring three out of four WODI home centuries in 2024, she also became the first Indian player to record three WODI hundreds in a calendar year.

Her record WODI score is 136 against South Africa Women in the 2024 Bengaluru WODI. 

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Biggest wins for India in WODIs

India Women registered its second-biggest WODI win in terms of runs, with a 211-run win in the first match against West Indies. Let's take a look at the biggest wins for India in WODIs.

Dec 23, 2024, 2:19 PM4 min read

Biggest wins for India in WODIs | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

India registered a huge victory on Sunday in the first match of the ODI series between India Women vs West Indies Women. They have defeated West Indies by a huge margin of 211 runs in this match.

This margin of victory is India's second-largest ever in terms of runs in Women's ODIs. Only above it is their 249-run demolition of Ireland in a quadrangular series in 2017. It's also West Indies' biggest-ever defeat in the format, beating their 208-run loss to England in 2019.

Also Read: Most WT20I runs in a calendar year

Let's take a look at the biggest wins for India in WODIs.

Biggest wins for India | WODI

1# 249 vs Ireland (2017)

Biggest wins for India in WODIs | sportzpoint.com
Deepti Sharma scored 88 off 160 balls, hit the most fours by a batsman in an innings in Women's ODIs. Image | AP

The biggest win for India in Women's ODI was against Ireland in 2017. Chasing a whopping 359-run target in Potchefstroom, Ireland was bundled out for 109 in 40 overs as spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad and pacer Shikha Pandey dismissed four and three batters respectively.

The victory was made possible because of all-rounder Deepti Sharma scoring a career-best 188 (160), the second-highest individual score in the format at the time. Deepti, who has the second-highest average among ODI opening batters (min. 500 runs) to her name, used to open the batting frequently back in the day.

A mammoth 320-run opening stand alongside fellow centurion Punam Raut remains the highest partnership in the format to date. 

2# 211 vs West Indies (2024)

Biggest wins for India in WODIs - Sportzpoint.com

India scored their second-highest innings total at home, i.e., 314/9 in Vadodara today. Coincidently, both their 300+ ODI totals at home have come in 2024. Thanks to Smriti Mandhana's 91 off 102. Having missed out on becoming the fourth batter to register 10 ODI hundreds, Mandhana’s fourth 90s dismissal saw her equaling the record for the most such dismissals in the format.

In the second innings, a run-out handed India a wicket on the first legal delivery. With Renuka Singh picking two wickets in her first three overs and Saima Thakor following it with another one in the sixth over, West Indies just couldn’t recover from 11/4 in 5.2 overs. 

Renuka, who registered a maiden five-wicket haul, was adjudged the Player of the Match as it played a key role in dismissing the visitors on 103 in 26.2 overs.

3# 207 vs Pakistan (2008)

India defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan by 207 runs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in 2008 for their third-biggest win in Women's ODIs. Captain Mithali Raj’s decision to bat first was followed by Jaya Sharma and Rumeli Dhar joining her in scoring half-centuries to power the team to 283/3 in 50 overs, India’s third-highest ODI innings total at the time.

In the second innings, Neetu David, Snehal Pradhan, and Jhulan Goswami's brilliant bowling bundled out Pakistan for 76 in 33.3 overs in the last league contest.

4# 193 vs Pakistan (2005)

A double-century partnership between Jaya Sharma and Anjum Chopra fashioned India's massive 193-run victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup women's cricket limited-overs match. Jaya’s career-best performance, 138* (150), was part of the second-highest third-wicket ODI partnership (alongside Anjum Chopra) back then.

A day after India won a match by 10 wickets only for the third time in the format, they thwacked Pakistan by 193 runs after bowling them out for 96 runs in 41.4 overs on the back of David (7.4-5-7-3) and Nooshin Al Khadeer’s (10-7-7-2) magical bowling figures.

5# 186 vs New Zealand (2017) 

Biggest wins for India in WODIs | sportzpoint.com
Mithali Raj scored a stunning 109 from 123 balls in the first inning. Image | Getty Images

Put in to bat first by New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, Mithali Raj herself scored 109 (123) to play a titular role in India putting on board 265/7 in 50 overs. In a bid to complement their skipper, Veda Krishnamurthy and Harmanpreet also chipped in with half-centuries.

In reply, New Zealand bundled out for 79 right after the halfway mark in Derby. Gayakwad’s career-best bowling figures of 7.3-1-15-5 had seen her running through the opposition’s lineup.

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Neetu David: The Spin Queen of Indian Women’s Cricket Immortalized in the ICC Hall of Fame

An unwavering warrior on the field, a guiding force off it—Neetu David’s journey to the ICC Hall of Fame is a story of quiet perseverance, remarkable achievements, and deep love for cricket

Oct 17, 2024, 2:36 PM4 min read

Neetu David: The Spin Queen of Indian Women’s Cricket Immortalized in the ICC Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, Neetu David was enlisted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming the second Indian woman, after Diana Edulji, to receive this prestigious honor. 

Neetu David, who has dedicated her life to the sport, both as a player and as an administrator, rightly deserves this moment. However, it's not just recognizing the number enscripted in the record books, but many unsaid contributions, her craft of spin bowling, and her presence on the off-field encouraging women's cricket for a better future.

The Record-Setting Spinner

neetu-david-sportzpoint.com

Neetu David’s career speaks volumes in numbers—141 wickets in 97 ODIs, 41 wickets in 10 Tests. Moreover, she proudly carries her tag as the first Indian woman to cross the 100-wicket milestone in ODIs.

It was in a 1995 Test match against England that Neetu David etched her name in history. Her spell of 8/53 remains the best-ever bowling figure in a women’s Test innings to this day. Even though India faced a heartbreaking two-run loss, Neetu’s had set the gold standard for slow bowling. To be honest, scalping eight wickets is fiery enough in those days. But when it comes with grace and consistency, it is something that needs to be worshipped. 

Her meticulous ability to vary her pace, loop the ball just right, and outsmart batters is what made Neetu David a nightmare for batters across the world. It would be absolutely wrong to say that she was a bowler. She literally planned and crafted her dismissals, giving treats to the eyes.

A Journey Across Three World Cups

David and Lisa Sthalekar-sportzpoint.com
Credif-Getty Images

David has played in three World Cups and has experienced both glory and heartbreak. A semi-final finish in 1997 on home soil and an early exit in 2000—she went through all but stayed tall with the ball in hand.

However, she was in her peak form in the 2005 Women’s World Cup in South Africa. Neetu concluded as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, bagging 20 wickets, guiding India towards their maiden final. Well, again, Australia being the major hurdle for India shattering the dream. 

The 2005 final was bittersweet for Neetu. She had done everything within her power, but her fate didn't support it. Nonetheless, her place among the tournament's best was unquestionable, and her leadership on the field earned her the admiration of peers and rivals alike.

The Transition from Player to Selector

david-sportzpoint.com

David retired from international cricket in 2006 but did not leave the field. She had her brief outing in 2008 but soon realized her greater calling lay off the field. She played her last domestic match in 2013 for the Railways, aiding them to win the Senior Women's T20 League title.

In 2020, David was appointed as the Chair of the Women’s Selection Committee for India, on the eve of the new era in India’s women’s cricket. During her tenure, the team made rapid transitions, including the retirements of legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami

Moreover, David played a crucial role in nurturing young talents like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh.

Beyond the Numbers: Neetu’s Everlasting Influence

David’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is more than just a recognition of her numbers. It is about honoring a cricketer who helped pave the way for future generations. Women’s cricket in India today stands on the shoulders of pioneers like Neetu, who fought against the odds, often without the resources or recognition their male counterparts enjoyed.

Her journey from a 17-year-old debutant to a Hall of Famer is one filled with grit, determination, and a love for the sport that transcends records. Neetu David may have left the playing field, but her legacy continues to spin its way into the future of Indian cricket.

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Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

Here is the list of Indian Women's cricketers who have scored the most T20I runs. Left-handed Indian opener Smriti Mandhana is at the top of this list.

Jul 27, 2024, 7:10 AM3 min read

Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup has already started, and India Women have booked their spot in the final. Throughout the year, several women cricketers in India have performed brilliantly in the T20 internationals. Four batters from India have scored more than 2000 runs while two of them have scored more than 3000 runs in their career in women’s T20Is so far. So, let's look at the list of Indian Women's cricketers who have scored the most T20I runs.

Read Also: Indian Head Coach Record since 2000

Most T20I runs for the Indian Women's Team

1. Smriti Mandhana - 3433 runs

Most runs in T20Is: Smriti Mandhana in Women's Asia Cup -sportzpoint.com

Smriti Mandhana has been one of the best batters for India Women in recent times. She is the all-time highest run-scorer in India in women’s T20I. She has scored 3433 runs from 134 T20I innings for India Women with 25 half-centuries and a highest score of 87. She made her debut in 2013 and is now only the second Indian Women cricketer who has scored more than 3000 runs.

2. Harmanpreet Kaur - 3415 runs

Most Runs in T20Is: Harmanpreet Kaur -sportzpoint.com

The second-highest run-scorer for India Women in T20Is is the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. She is the only Indian women’s cricketer to score a century in the T20I format. With 3415 runs from 152 games, Kaur has scored a hundred and 12 half-centuries. Her only century in the format came in the T20 World Cup 2018. She scored 103 off 51 balls against New Zealand in the 2018 T20 World Cup opener at Guyana.

3. Mithali Raj - 2364 runs

Most Runs in T20Is: Mithali Raj -sportzpoint.com

Former Indian skipper Mithali Raj is the third-highest run-getter for India in women’s T20Is. She was one of India's best players across formats. Mithali scored 2364 runs with a highest score of 97* from 89 T20I matches for India with 17 half-centuries before announcing her retirement in 2019. Her average of 37.52 is the highest on this list among the top five batters.

4. Jemimah Rodrigues - 2045 runs

Most Runs in T20Is: Jemimah Rodrigues -sportzpoint.com

Jemimah Rodrigues has been one of the best players in the Indian middle order over the years. She can switch her gears anytime during the middle overs and that's the reason she is a key member in the Indian squad right now. Rodrigues has scored 2045 runs in 99 T20Is for India with 11 half-centuries. 

5. Shafali Verma - 1932 runs

Most Runs in T20Is: Shafali Verma -sportzpoint.com

The 20-year-old Shafali Verma has already become one of the most important members of the Indian squad. She is the fifth-highest run-scorer for India in women’s T20Is at the age of 20. The right-hander has scored 1932 runs from 80 matches with a highest score of 81 for India Women in T20Is with ten half-centuries. Shafali is the second-highest runs scorer in the Women's Asia Cup 2024 and the highest among the Indian batters with 184 runs at an average of 61.33.

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Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma rewrite history by compiling highest partnership for the first wicket in women's Test cricket

Mandhana and Shafali broke the 20-year-old cricket record of Pakistan. Earlier in the year 2004, Pakistan's pair of Sajjida Shah and Kiran Baluch had added 241 runs against West Indies in the Karachi Test. Now the Indian pair has left this record behind.

Jun 28, 2024, 2:42 PM3 min read

Smriti-Shafali smashed second-highest partnership of all time in Women's Test cricket. Image- Sportstar - The Hindu

Indian women's team's star batsmen Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have set a new world record for opening partnership in women's Test cricket on Friday. Both the batsmen made a big partnership of 292 runs for the first wicket on the first day of the only Test being played against South Africa.

Also Read: Smriti Mandhana creates history by becoming first Indian woman to hit consecutive ODI hundreds

Indian pair broke 20-year-old record

Mandhana and Shafali broke the 20-year-old record of Pakistan. Earlier in the year 2004, Pakistan's pair of Sajjida Shah and Kiran Baluch had added 241 runs against West Indies in the Karachi Test. Now the Indian pair has left this record behind.

Partnership for any wicket in women's Test cricket

If we talk about partnership for any wicket in women's Test cricket, this record of Shafali and Mandhana has now become the second biggest partnership. The record for the highest partnership in women's Test cricket for any wicket is in the name of Australian batsmen Lindsay Reeler and Denise Annetts, who added 309 runs for the third wicket against England in the Wetherby (England) Test in 1987.

Shafali-Mandhana left behind Punam Raut and Thirush Kamini

Shafali and Mandhana thus improved their previous best partnership of 167 runs against England in Bristol in 2021. With this, both of them also left behind the previous highest Indian partnership for any wicket. Earlier this record was in the name of Punam Raut and Thirush Kamini, who had made a partnership of 275 against South Africa in Mysore in 2014.

Shefali became fourth Indian player to score more than 150 runs

The Mandhana-Shafali partnership was broken by Delmi Tucker by dismissing Mandhana for 149 runs. From the other end, Shefali became the fourth Indian player to score more than 150 runs in Tests. Before her, Mithali Raj, Thirush Kamini, and Sandhya Agarwal have achieved this feat.

India has scored 525 runs for 4 wickets in 98 overs in Day 1. Shafali (205) was run out after scoring a double-century. Apart from Smriti and Shafali, India lost two more wickets in the form of Shubha Satheesh (5) and Jemimah Rodrigues (55).

Also Read: Women's Cricket Stats: Smriti Mandhana becomes fastest to 3000 T20I runs

Highest partnership for any wicket in women's Test cricket

Pair Country Runs OPP Wicket Year
Denise Annetts-Lindsay Reeler Australia 309 England 3 1987
Smriti Mandhana-Shafali Verma India 292 South Africa 1 2024
Thirush Kamini-Punam Raut India 275 South Africa 2 2014
Louise Broadfoot-Karen Rolton Australia 253 England 4 2001
Kiran Baluch-Sajjida Shah Pakistan 241 West Indies 1 2004
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