ODI International Cricket: Most Sixes by India Women’s National Team

Power hitting is now a key component of women’s cricket, which has witnessed an incredible transformation. The India Women’s National Cricket Team has attracted some of the top batters who can effortlessly clear the boundary ropes. They include Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, who have become India’s most successful six-hitters in ODI cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur’s Record-Breaking Knock In the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final versus Australia, one of the most memorable events in Indian women’s cricket history occurred. Harmanpreet Kaur’s remarkable 171 off 115 balls included seven massive sixes. This innings created a record for the most sixes an Indian woman has struck in an ODI innings, and it also helped lead India to the championship game. Her gutsy manner and ability to take on top bowlers make this knock one of the greatest in women’s cricket history. Smriti Mandhana Equals the Record On January 15, 2025, Smriti Mandhana matched this incredible record. When Mandhana played against Ireland in Rajkot, he hit 135 runs off just 80 balls, including seven sixes, tying Harmanpreet’s record for the most sixes in an innings. Her work was crucial in helping India reach 435/5, their greatest team total in ODI cricket history. Career Sixes Record in ODIs Throughout their careers, Mandhana and Kaur have continuously demonstrated remarkable six-hitting ability, even outside of specific match performances. With 52 sixes apiece as of 2025, they share the record for the most career sixes by an Indian woman in ODIs. For upcoming generations of Indian women cricket players, their aggressive batting style has established new standards. The Impact on Women’s Cricket One characteristic that sets modern cricket apart is its ability to regularly clear the ropes. In spite of helping India defeat other teams, Mandhana and Kaur’s aggressive batting performances have encouraged future female cricket players to develop their power-hitting abilities. Women’s cricket is becoming more and more popular in India and around the world as a result of their achievements. Looking Ahead It won’t be shocking if these records are soon surpassed, considering the rise of women’s cricket and the appearance of new players. It is anticipated that the Indian women’s team will continue to demonstrate its supremacy on the international scene under the direction of seasoned athletes like Mandhana and Kaur. As cricket fans, all we can do is watch to see who will be the next Indian team six-hitter to steal the show and elevate the sport to new heights. These achievements stand as inspirational benchmarks and evidence that Indian women’s cricket is more powerful than ever in the meantime. “India Women’s National Cricket Team’s power hitters, led by Harmanpreet Kaur & Smriti Mandhana, shine in ODIs, setting records for most sixes in history”.
The Rise of Women’s Cricket in India: A New Era of Inspiration

Indian cricket is experiencing a monumental shift, with the extraordinary growth of women’s cricket leading the charge. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has played a pivotal role in bringing women’s cricket into the limelight, driving increased interest, investment, and fan engagement. With iconic players leading the way and inspiring future generations, women’s cricket in India is no longer just a sport but a movement redefining the cultural and sporting landscape. Women’s Premier League (WPL): Transforming the Game The WPL has emerged as a groundbreaking event in Indian sports, akin to the Indian Premier League’s impact on men’s cricket. Since its debut in 2023, the WPL has provided an unparalleled platform for female cricketers to shine, offering them financial independence and a stage to perform before an audience passionate about cricket. Record-Breaking Viewership: The WPL’s inaugural season drew over 50 million viewers for the opening match, with packed stadiums and lively social media interactions showcasing its massive popularity. Commercial Triumph: The league has become a magnet for sponsor-ships, with broadcasting rights fetching ₹951 crore for five years, signaling a paradigm shift in the perception of women’s sports in India. Talent Recognition: The WPL has spotlighted emerging players from smaller towns and villages, proving that India’s cricketing talent pool is vast and diverse. The league’s inclusion of international players has also elevated the quality of the competition. Leading the Charge: Star Players Inspiring a Nation Indian women cricketers have become icons, captivating millions with their performances and breaking barriers on and off the field. Smriti Mandhana: Renowned for her elegant batting and captaincy, Smriti has become a symbol of consistency and grace in Indian cricket. Her leadership in the WPL has solidified her role as a pioneer. Harmanpreet Kaur: The Indian skipper and a WPL standout, Harmanpreet’s fearless batting and resilience epitomize the modern era of women’s cricket. Shafali Verma: A teenage prodigy, Shafali’s explosive style has redefined aggressive batting. Her dominance at the crease is drawing comparisons to cricket’s legendary hitters. Renuka Singh Thakur: A rising star in the bowling department, Renuka has consistently impressed with her precision and composure under pressure.These players have become household names, inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams and proving that cricket is a sport for everyone. Nurturing the Next Generation The rise of women’s cricket has spurred grassroots enthusiasm, inspiring countless young girls across India. Surge in Participation: Cricket academies have seen a sharp increase in female enrollment, with initiatives by the BCCI and state associations encouraging more girls to take up the sport. Visibility and Role Models: Women cricketers are now visible in mainstream media and advertisements, providing relatable figures for aspiring players. Icons like Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma are celebrated as examples of hard work and perseverance. Support Systems: Scholarships and enhanced facilities from corp-orates and NGOs are creating an ecosystem where young talent can thrive. Overcoming Challenges Pay Disparity: Women cricketers still earn significantly less than their male counterparts. Closing this gap is vital for equality and recognition. Limited Domestic Exposure: The domestic circuit for women needs more matches and better infrastructure to ensure a steady talent pipeline. Cultural Barriers: Societal attitudes in some regions still discourage girls from pursuing sports, requiring a long-term cultural shift. Embracing Opportunities Expansion of the WPL: Adding more teams and matches can increase opportunities for players and enhance fan engagement. Global Tournaments: Hosting international events like the Women’s World Cup can elevate the sport’s visibility and popularity. School-Level Initiatives: Encouraging cricket programs in schools will help identify and nurture young talent early. Conclusion The evolution of women’s cricket in India marks more than just a sporting achievement—it represents a cultural revolution that empowers women and breaks societal barriers. The Women’s Premier League has laid a strong foundation, while star players continue to inspire the dreams of young girls nationwide. With sustained investment, inclusive policies, and societal support, Indian women’s cricket is set to scale unprecedented heights by 2030, establishing itself as a powerhouse on the global stage.