Smriti Mandhana Sets Sights on 2025 World Cup After Stellar Performance Against Ireland

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Smriti Mandhana Eyes Best Year for Indian Women’s Cricket Ahead of 2025 World Cup

Smriti Mandhana is optimistic that India’s consecutive 3-0 series victories against the West Indies and Ireland have set the stage for their “best year in one-dayers” as they prepare for the 50-over World Cup in India later this year. India has built valuable momentum with six consecutive ODI wins, and Mandhana believes this is the perfect time to capitalize on it.

“Two 3-0 sweeps in a World Cup year are incredibly encouraging. We have to maintain this momentum and make this the best year for one-day cricket,” Mandhana shared in a video posted by BCCI.

Mandhana’s stellar 135-run performance and Pratika Rawal’s impressive 154-run innings formed the backbone of India’s highest ever ODI total of 435/5. The pair also set up the third-highest opening partnership for India in ODIs, contributing to a record-breaking 304-run victory over Ireland.

Reflecting on her own innings, Mandhana revealed, “I wanted to approach the innings with freedom. I decided before going in that I’d play my shots, as it’s not often you get such an opportunity.”

Rawal, who scored her maiden century, noted how she slowed down as she approached her 100 but accelerated once she crossed the landmark. “After reaching 70, I became conscious of the hundred, taking singles. But once I got there, I decided to go for it. The last 50 runs came quicker,” she said.

The duo’s 233-run opening partnership was an effortless display of teamwork. “It felt natural, we didn’t consciously think about the record,” Rawal added, with Mandhana commenting, “We only realized the stats afterward.”

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