Smriti Mandhana is the face of Indian women’s cricket, World No. 1 in ODIs and World No. 3 in T20Is. Her cover drives, her timing, her poise, everything about her screams world-class. But there’s one thing even the best can’t escape, pressure on the big stage.
The Knockout Struggle
For all her brilliance, Mandhana’s record in ICC knockout matches tells a different story. In 6 World Cup knockouts, her highest score is just 34, with 3 single-digit dismissals. It’s an unexpected stat for someone widely regarded as one of the world’s finest batters.
Form of Her Life
This World Cup, however, Mandhana has been at her fluent best — 389 runs in eight innings, including one hundred and two fifties, all at a strike rate of over 100. She’s been the second-highest run-scorer this tournament, guiding the team through crucial moments.
Yet, her 24-run knock in the semifinal once again raised that uncomfortable question: Can Smriti stand tall when it matters the most?
The Moment of Truth
India have reached the Women’s ODI World Cup final twice before, in 2005 and 2017, both times falling just short. Now, in 2025, history offers another chance, and the spotlight is once again on Mandhana. Because when Smriti fires, India usually soars.
The Women in Blue need their superstar to break the pattern, silence the critics, and own the moment that’s eluded her for so long. Maybe this time, Smriti Mandhana’s story ends not in heartbreak, but in glory.
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