On January 12, 2025, aged 14 Mumbai a football player Ira Jadhav broke records with an unbeaten 346 from just 157 balls Women's U19 One Day Trophy struggle with Meghalaya. The match was played at the Alur Cricket Ground in Bangalore, where Jadhav ended the opposition's streak with a brilliant stroke play.
Amazing knock from 14-year-old Ira Jadhav
His innings was an amazing display of batting power, accuracy, and endurance – he smashed 42 boundaries and cleared the boundary rope 16 times, leaving the bowlers helpless. This incredible knock earned him the distinction of being the first Indian (male or female) to record every three years. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)-minimum cricket tournament.
What makes Jadhav so interesting is his age. At just 14 years of age, he became a star in Indian cricket, able to withstand the pressures of high-level competition and excel. His ability to manage the innings intelligently, switching between defense and attack, showed a maturity beyond his years. With every boundary and six, they gave Mumbai a boost, eventually helping them post a total of 563/3, the highest of any Indian women's team at any level.
Breaking Smriti Mandhana's U19 record
Ira Jadhav's innings didn't just make a record – it broke a record set by the icon of Indian women's cricket. Smriti Mandhana. In 2013, Mandhana set the benchmark at the highest U19 level for an Indian, scoring 224 not out. Jadhav surpassed this by a margin, leaving no doubt about his immense talent and hunger to write. His knock was not just a run between the wickets – it was a display of power, skill, and composure.
In the world, Jadhav's score is second only to him South Africa's Lizelle Leewho set the world record with an unbeaten 427 against Kei in 2010. However, Jadhav's innings could never be matched by the Indian home side, making him one of the most talked about cricketers in the country.
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Greater cooperation drives Mumbai's growth
Jadhav's personal history is not available; it was founded on a number of important associations that increased Mumbai's population. His union is captain Hurley Gala it was very important – together, they added 274 runs for the second wicket. Gala's contribution to the partnership was a quick-fire 116 from 79 balls, providing the necessary support to Jadhav's dominance at the crease.
Following Gala's dismissal, Jadhav switched to the next phase of his innings, connecting with Diksha Pawar for a 186-run stand. Jadhav's contribution in the partnership was an impressive 137 off 50 balls, which made him complete his three years with accuracy. The partnership showcased his ability to stop the innings and build momentum, ensuring that Mumbai posted all that Meghalaya found impossible.
WPL 2025 and U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025
Ira Jadhav's feat has not only made her the youngest player to reach 30 years in Indian cricket but has also led to a new development in women's cricket in the country. Her innings confirmed the growth of talent in women's cricket, where youngsters like Jadhav are seen as professionals who can play big.
Interestingly, Jadhav's name also appeared in the Women Premier League (WPL) 2025 mini-auction, where they registered for a starting price of INR 10 lakh. However, he was not traded, which suggests that the franchise may not have realized his potential at this point. Despite this, his performance in the U19 One Day Trophy turned heads and cemented his place as one of India's greatest future batsmen.
Jadhav's incredible journey is just beginning. His record-breaking innings will open the doors to many opportunities in the future. He has already been mentioned as one of the representative of India U19 T20 World Cup 2025 squad, which is going to Malaysia. With such an amazing start to his career, all eyes will be on how he builds on this amazing career.
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This article was originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.