Table of Contents
The art of scoring centuries at breakneck speed has reached new heights in women’s cricket with recent record-breaking performances that have redefined batting excellence. On September 20, 2025, history was made not once but twice at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, as Beth Mooney and Smriti Mandhana produced explosive knocks that etched their names into cricket folklore.
The drama unfolded in the third ODI of the India-Australia series, where within hours of each other, both batters achieved centuries that rank among the fastest ever recorded in women’s ODIs. Australia’s Mooney first reached her hundred in 57 balls, equaling the second-fastest mark, before India’s Mandhana responded with an even more blistering 50-ball century, claiming the her spot in history.
Record-breaking Delhi drama sets new standards
Mandhana’s extraordinary innings came during India’s pursuit of Australia’s mammoth 413-run target. The left-handed opener’s 50-ball century not only broke Virat Kohli‘s record as the fastest by any Indian in ODI cricket but also established the second-fastest mark in women’s cricket history. Her innings of 125 off 63 balls included 17 fours and five sixes, showcasing aggressive strokeplay at a strike rate of 198.41.
Earlier in the same match, Mooney had set the tone with her own explosive knock. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter reached her century in 57 balls, matching Karen Rolton‘s long-standing record and demonstrating the depth of Australia’s batting prowess. Mooney’s innings of 138 off 75 balls featured 23 fours and one six, powering Australia to their joint-highest ODI total of 412.
The Delhi encounter became the most run-laden women’s ODI in history, with both teams combining for 781 runs. This extraordinary match featured 111 boundaries (99 fours and 12 sixes), setting a new record for boundary-hitting in women’s cricket.
Top 5 fastest hundreds in Women’s ODIs
Meg Lanning – 45 balls vs New Zealand (2012)
The legendary Australian captain holds the ultimate record with her 45-ball hundred at North Sydney Oval on December 16, 2012. Meg Lanning‘s knock of 103 off 50 balls included 18 fours and three sixes, with 90 of her runs coming in boundaries. Her innings helped Australia chase down New Zealand‘s 177 with nine wickets and 172 balls to spare, setting a benchmark that remains unmatched more than a decade later.
Smriti Mandhana – 50 balls vs Australia (2025)
India’s vice-captain achieved this milestone during the series decider in Delhi, becoming the second-fastest centurion in women’s ODI history. Her century came off a slog sweep for six over midwicket off Alana King‘s bowling, bringing the Delhi crowd to their feet. This was Mandhana’s 13th ODI century, placing her joint-second with Suzie Bates in the all-time list.
Karen Rolton – 57 balls vs South Africa (2000)
The Australian legend set her record during the 2000 Women’s World Cup at Lincoln’s BIL Oval. Chasing South Africa‘s modest 169, Rolton hit 17 fours in her 107 not out off 67 balls, reaching her century in 57 deliveries. She had reached her fifty in 36 balls and guided Australia to victory with 25 overs to spare, earning Player of the Match honors.
Beth Mooney – 57 balls vs India (2025)
The Australian wicketkeeper-batter equaled Rolton’s record during the Delhi thriller. Mooney took 31 balls for her first fifty before accelerating further, reaching three figures by dispatching a no-ball from Radha Yadav to the boundary. Her innings featured clinical placement and raw power, with memorable shots including three fours in a single over from Kranti Goud.
Sophie Devine – 59 balls vs Ireland (2018)
New Zealand’s explosive opener completes the top five with her 59-ball century in Dublin. Sophie Devine‘s innings of 108 off 61 balls included 13 fours and six sixes, setting the platform for New Zealand’s mammoth 418. Ireland could only manage 112 in response, resulting in a 306-run victory. Devine had reached her fifty in 35 balls before maintaining her aggressive tempo to complete the century.
These remarkable innings showcase the evolution of women’s cricket, where boundaries flow freely and centuries are achieved with increasing frequency. Each performance represents not just individual brilliance but the growing confidence and skill level that defines modern women’s cricket. From Lanning’s pioneering knock in 2012 to the recent Delhi spectacle, these centuries demonstrate how the women’s game continues to push boundaries and create new standards of excellence.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
