Smriti Mandhana battles cramps, misses well-deserved hundred in IND vs ENG match

Smriti Mandhana didn’t have the best of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Throughout the year, the Indian vice-captain was in great form. But once the big ICC event arrived, his bat fell silent. In India’s first 3 matches, Mandhana scored only 54 runs.

But against the toughest opponent, Australia, she finally woke up from her slumber. She played a superb knock of 80 runs off 66 balls. Unfortunately, she missed out on a well-deserved hundred. India lost that match and needed to win the remaining matches to confirm their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s ODI World Cup.

Mandhana knew it. So, against England, while chasing 289, she gave her best. The 29-year-old had read the play and, instead of coming off the block, took a measured approach. Mandhana knew that pushing the game deep was the best option.

Mandhana does her best against England

She took time and tried to build partnerships. She and Harmanpreet Kaur took control of the chase until the Indian captain fell for 70 in the 31st over. She knew India needed her. So, Mandhana continues to play it safe with Deepti Sharma. However, around the age of 37, she began to suffer physically.

Fatigue and cramps were causing him problems. Mandhana continued despite this. But the movement of his feet just wasn’t it. As her hundred approached, the Indian opener was itching. And then, in a moment of brain fade, Mandhana sent the ball to the fielder at long-on and had to return to 88.