Indian women’s cricket team’s star batter Smriti Mandhana has once again proved why she is considered one of the most dangerous batters of the current era. In the very first match of the T20 series against England, she played a historic innings that will be remembered for a long time. This match not only turned out to be crucial for Team India but also became a significant milestone in Smriti Mandhana’s career.
A Powerful Start in England
Smriti Mandhana made a blazing start to the England tour. In the first match of the five-match T20I series, she scored a sensational century and gave India a strong platform. She reached her fifty in just 27 balls and went on to complete her maiden T20I century in just 51 deliveries. Her knock included 15 fours and 3 sixes, with a superb strike rate of 180.64. She faced a total of 62 balls and scored 112 runs a truly remarkable performance.
Breaking Harmanpreet Kaur’s Record
With this inning, Smriti Mandhana became only the second Indian woman to score a century in T20 Internationals. Before her, Harmanpreet Kaur held this record. However, Smriti Mandhana surpassed Harmanpreet by hitting more boundaries. While Harmanpreet had struck 15 boundaries in her T20I century, Smriti Mandhana smacked 17 thereby setting a new benchmark.
India Posts a Massive Total
Thanks to Smriti Mandhana’s explosive century, India posted a commanding total of 210/5 in their 20 overs. Another notable contribution came from Harleen Deol, who scored 43 runs in just 23 balls with a strike rate of 186.95, including 7 boundaries. But it was clearly show all the way, as her knock dominated the match and made life difficult for the English bowlers.
First Indian Woman with Centuries in All Formats
This century also added another feather to cap. She has now become the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket Test, ODI, and T20I. No other Indian woman cricketer has achieved this feat before. She already had 2 Test centuries and 11 in ODIs. With this T20I century, Smriti Mandhana enters an elite club globally, showcasing her consistency and dominance across formats.
England Continues to Be Her Favorite Hunting Ground
This isn’t the first time has delivered a masterclass on English soil. In fact, she has played many important knocks against England in all formats in the past as well. Her style of play and aggressive mindset perfectly suits the conditions in England, making her a nightmare for English bowlers.
Fans Celebrate the Milestone
After her remarkable performance, started trending on social media. Fans lauded her innings, calling her the Virat Kohli of Indian women’s cricket. Former cricketers, experts, and analysts also appreciated her stroke play, aggression, and maturity. Her innings was not only entertaining but also inspiring for the next generation of female cricketers.
Indian women’s cricket team’s star batter has once again proved why she is considered one of the most destructive and dependable players of her generation. In the very first match of the T20I series against England, she played a record-shattering innings that has now etched her name in the history books. This game wasn’t just another match for Team India it marked a new chapter in Smriti Mandhana’s illustrious career.
Conclusion
With this historic knock, has once again shown why she is the backbone of India’s batting lineup. Her ability to score quickly and dominate top bowling attacks makes her a standout performer in world cricket. The fact that she now holds centuries across all three formats is a testimony to her class and consistency. As the T20 series continues, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what does next. One thing is certain when is at the crease, excitement is guaranteed