“Rohit Sharma has scored double centuries” – Former India cricketer’s huge statement on Smriti Mandhana ahead of Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final

Former India cricketer Reema Malhotra has urged Smriti Mandhana to score a double century in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against Australia. She highlighted that Rohit Sharma has played multiple such knocks in ODIs.

India will face Australia in the second semi-final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 30. Mandhana will potentially open with Shafali Verma, who has been added to the squad as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal.

During an interaction on the Star Sports show *Game Plan*, Malhotra was asked whether Pratika’s absence would put additional pressure on Mandhana. She responded, “Rohit Sharma has scored double centuries in ODIs. Smriti has to do the same thing. She has to score a century for herself and a century for Pratika. The responsibility will be there. However, it’s something that is not in anyone’s hands.”

The former India all-rounder noted that the left-handed opener has scored a double century in junior cricket and that the Women in Blue need her to replicate that effort now.

“You have the bat in your hand and the 50 overs in front of you. You are scoring 110-120, score a little more than that. Smriti has to play 50 overs and she can do that. She was the first player to score a double century in domestic cricket. If she could do it then, India need it now,” Malhotra observed.

With 365 runs at an average of 60.83 in seven innings, Smriti Mandhana is the highest run-getter in the Women’s World Cup 2025. She has amassed 996 runs at an average of 49.80 in 20 ODI innings against Australia.

### “This is not the Smriti Mandhana of 2024” – Reema Malhotra on opener’s potential battle with Ashleigh Gardner

In the same interaction, Reema Malhotra was asked about Smriti Mandhana’s potential battle with Ashleigh Gardner in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final.

“She has played Gardner exceptionally well in the last few matches. Whether it’s a left-arm spinner or an off-spinner, this is not the Smriti Mandhana of 2024. This is Smriti 2.0, who has worked on it. She plays all the shots. So I don’t think it will be a challenge,” she replied.

The cricketer-turned-commentator was also asked about Mandhana’s potential contest with Sophie Molineux, considering the left-arm spinner had dismissed the Indian vice-captain in the league game between the two sides.

“It will be challenging, but Smriti gave her wicket to Molineux after scoring runs. I think Smriti only hit 15 to 16 runs in her first over. I feel the approach will be the same here. Whichever Australian bowler comes, you will have to attack them. If you allow any Australian bowler to get on top of you, they will bowl their entire 10 overs at one spot,” Malhotra responded.

To conclude, Reema Malhotra recalled Meg Lanning saying that Australia were out of plans when Harmanpreet Kaur was smashing them in the Women’s World Cup 2017 semi-final. She expressed hope that Alyssa Healy or Tahlia McGrath, whoever captains Australia, will have similar words for Mandhana and Harmanpreet in the post-match presentation of the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final.

**About the author**
Kartik Iyer is a cricket writer at Sportskeeda with four years of professional experience. He writes news articles for the platform and always strives to deliver authentic and accurate content by obtaining information only from credible sources.

Kartik developed a liking for cricket in his childhood and has been following the sport ever since. He supports Team India as they represent the country, and his all-time favorite cricketer is Rahul Dravid, admiring the former batter’s impeccable technique and approach towards the game.

He has written over 5,500 articles for Sportskeeda and has strong knowledge of SEO and journalism guidelines, evidenced by his readership close to 12 million. Kartik holds a B. Tech degree and enjoys watching sports other than cricket in his free time.

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Listing batters with 900-plus runs in India-Australia WODIs

By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 13, 2025 | 10:44 am

**Indian opener Smriti Mandhana becomes second-highest run-scorer in India-Australia Women’s ODIs**

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana recently achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs) between India and Australia. She reached this feat during the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup match held on Sunday at Visakhapatnam.

Although India lost the match, Mandhana played a fiery innings, scoring 80 runs off just 66 balls. India posted a total of 330 all out while batting first.

On this note, here is a list of batters who have scored 900 or more runs in India-Australia Women’s ODIs:

### #4 Ellyse Perry – 911 runs
The same World Cup match also saw Australia’s Ellyse Perry join the 900-run club in India-Australia WODIs. Perry remained unbeaten on 47 from 52 balls, hitting five fours and a six as Australia chased down the target of 331 with an over to spare.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Perry has scored 911 runs in 31 matches against India at an impressive average of 45.55. Her record includes eight half-centuries and one century.

### #3 Karen Rolton – 924 runs
At number three is Karen Rolton, who has also enjoyed success against the Indian team. Rolton has amassed 924 runs across 25 games versus India, including two centuries and seven fifties.
ESPNcricinfo notes that her average of 54.35 is the highest among players with at least 550 runs in India-Australia WODI encounters.

### #2 Smriti Mandhana – 996 runs
As highlighted earlier, Mandhana surpassed Karen Rolton’s tally to become the second-highest run-scorer in this rivalry. She has played 20 WODIs against Australia, scoring 996 runs at an average of 49.80.
Mandhana’s record against the Aussies includes 10 scores of 50-plus, featuring four centuries – the most hundreds by any player against the Women in Yellow in this format.

### #1 Mithali Raj – 1,123 runs
Topping the list is one of the most celebrated cricketers, Mithali Raj. She is among just six batters to have scored 1,100+ WODI runs against Australia.
Raj has accumulated 1,123 runs in 27 WODIs against the Aussies, averaging 34.03. Her tally includes nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 89 made during the 2016 Hobart match.

This elite group highlights the extraordinary rivalry and talent showcased in India-Australia women’s cricket over the years.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/batters-with-most-runs-in-india-australia-wodis/story