Smriti Mandhana is the biggest Indian threat to Pakistan in Women's WC; Here's why

Smriti Mandhana [Source: @ABsay_ek/X.com]

Smriti Mandhana, India Women's premier top-order batter, has consistently been a pillar of strength, guiding her team to numerous nervy and high-pressure victories. For Mandhana, pressure situations often seem effortless, and her batting has rescued Harmanpreet Kaur and her side on multiple occasions. Now, the stakes are even higher.

With the Women's World Cup 2025 underway, India Women are set to face Pakistan Women on October 5. Pakistan, having lost their opening match against Bangladesh, will likely be low on confidence, especially against Mandhana at Colombo. The reason? Her remarkable record on Sri Lankan pitches which could haunt the Women in Green.

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Smriti Mandhana Stats

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Smriti Mandhana's astonishing W-ODI record in Colombo

Mandhana boasts a striking record at Colombo. From just five matches, she managed to bag 264 ODI runs at a remarkably impressive strike rate of 90.41 and an astonishing average of 52.80. This is certainly one of her most impressive averages of all time across the different venues she played, which significantly asserts her dominance here.

(Smriti Mandhana's stats in W-ODIs at Colombo)

Moreover, in Sri Lanka, Mandhana didn’t fail to impress. She has an average of 56.22 in Sri Lanka from her 11 matches, which stands to be a significant threat if her consistency is taken into account in WODIs here.

For Pakistan, this can be a significant threat. The Women in Green will be in trouble if Smriti gets her mojo. With 4 fifties and one century in her bag, Pakistan Women can expect another big knock from the India star.

Mandhana’s record against spin

Mandhana’s average against Pakistan isn’t impressive, as she averages only 27 from the 2 matches she played against them. However, what can be of concern is Mandhana’s record against spinners. 

Pakistan Women is carrying a dominant lineup of spinners this World Cup, with Sadia Iqbal, Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu headlining the battery. Hence, looking at things straight, Mandhana’s record against spin is quite impressive.

(Smriti Mandhana's stats against spinners in WODIs)

From 70 WODI matches against spinners, Smriti Mandhana has managed 1785 runs at an average of 45.8, which reflects a success rate of 44.3%. Hence, dealing with Mandhana can be tough at the Colombo pitch, where she plays well.

(Smriti Mandhana's stats against spinners at Colombo in WODIs)

Hence, Mandhana's numbers boast a strong case for India Women to rely on her at the top to defend Pakistan's initial bowling attack and exceptionally play a well-defined knock against the spinners.

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