India opener Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the annals of women’s cricket history by equalling former captain Mithali Raj’s all-time Indian record for the most centuries in women’s ODIs. Mandhana’s brilliant knock of 136 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against South Africa Women in the second ODI is her seventh ODI century, bringing her level with the legendary Raj. Following her century in the series opener, when she scored 117 runs, the flamboyant left-hander continued her superb form. Her back-to-back centuries made her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in ODI cricket.

The match began with a cautious start for Mandhana, who was kept quiet by the South African bowlers during the first powerplay. India lost opener Shafali Verma early, leaving Mandhana to anchor the innings. She meticulously built her innings, reaching 19 off 40 balls before shifting gears to dominate the bowlers. Her composed approach paid off as she reached her century in just 103 balls, eventually scoring 136 off 120 balls.

Mandhana’s knock was adorned with 18 boundaries and two sixes, showcasing her ability to both accumulate and accelerate runs. Her efforts propelled India past the 200-run mark inside the 40th over, setting a strong foundation for a formidable total.

Supporting Mandhana at the other end was captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who also slammed an 87-ball century. The duo’s partnership was crucial in maintaining the momentum and putting pressure on the South African bowlers.

However, Mandhana was dismissed in the 46th over scoring 136 of 120 deliveries, attempting to hit Nonkululeko Mlaba over the cover region.

India posted a mammoth total of 325 for three in 50 overs with the help of centuries by Mandhana and skipper Kaur.

Veteran Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan is no longer in the scheme of things as far as international cricket is concerned. Dhawan’s playing time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was also limited because of injury issues. Despite the downward spiral the opening batter’s career has been on over the last couple of years, he has managed to maintain a positive outlook towards life in general. In an interview with IPL’s broadcaster, Dhawan once again made everyone chuckle by displaying his funny side.

The Punjab Kings captain revealed that he once heard the rumour that he was marrying former India women’s team captain Mithali Raj. For the southpaw, this was one of the most bizarre rumours he had heard about himself.

“I heard that I was getting married to Mithali Raj,” the opening batter said in show on Jio Cinema, Dhawan Karenge.

Mithali, at present, is the mentor of the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

During the chat, Dhawan also spoke about his admiration for Delhi Capitals captain and India star Rishabh Pant who made a stunning comeback to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024.

“I would like to appreciate the way he has handled his rehab and injuries after the accident. The positivity and the strength he has shown is tremendous and the way he has come back and played in the IPL and got into the Indian team is unbelievable and amazing and I am very proud of him,” Dhawan said.

As for the IPL 2024, Dhawan’s team failed to deliver on the promise it showed before the start of the season, finishing 9th in the 10-team points table. 

In 5 matches, Dhawan scored 152 runs at an average of 30.40 and a strike-rate of 125.61.