Smriti Mandhana’s Controversial LBW Dismissal Stuns New…

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana continued her successful streak at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 by delivering a stellar performance of 109 runs off 95 balls against New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium. Mandhana, however, was almost dismissed for lbw against Amelia Kerr while she was on 77 from 73 balls. She was initially declared out but successfully reviewed the lbw decision.

An UltraEdge captured Mandhana faintly edging the ball, a revelation that surprised Mandhana and evoked disbelief from New Zealand players. Despite her initial exit from the crease, the ‘NOT OUT’ decision displayed on the big screen allowed Mandhana to resume and extend her innings.

Following this, Mandhana achieved her 14th career century in ODIs off 88 balls, a distinguished feat that set India up for a strong practical chance at securing a place in the semifinals. Mandhana’s century is the first of the tournament for India. It was achieved as part of an opening partnership of 212 runs with Pratika Rawal, making it the highest opening score for India in the history of women ODIs.

The productive duo of Mandhana and Rawal has racked up four partnerships scoring more than 150 runs in ODIs, equivalent to the record held by the teams of Belinda Clark-Lisa Keightley and Suzie Bates-Amy Satterthwaite. Similarly, they have equaled the record for most century partnerships by an Indian opening pair.

Throughout her innings, Mandhana strategically targeted New Zealand bowlers and exploited a variety of strokes. She impressed in a faceoff with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, managing to hit a four and six off back-to-back deliveries in the 29th over from the latter.

Such a performance strengthens Mandhana’s position as the leading run-scorer of 2025 with a total of 1,259 runs in 20 match innings. With 331 runs tallied in this World Cup, including two half-centuries and one century, Mandhana holds her status as India’s top batter.