Mumbai: Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the record books on Saturday after scoring a stunning century against England in the first T20I at Trent Bridge. With this feat, she became the first Indian woman cricketer to score a century in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Mandhana’s explosive 112 off 62 balls, featuring 15 fours and 3 sixes, helped India post their highest-ever T20 total against England – 210/5.
A Record-Breaking Knock
Mandhana is now the second Indian woman to score a T20I century, after regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
This was her maiden T20I ton, and the 14th international century of her career.
Her tally includes 11 ODI centuries, 2 in Tests, and now 1 in T20Is.
Leading from the Front
With Harmanpreet Kaur rested due to a recent head injury, vice-captain Mandhana took charge and led the team with both the bat and captaincy.
India also introduced newcomer N. Shree Charani, a left-arm spinner, who made her international debut. Sneh Rana returned to the T20I squad after a two-year gap.
Tribute to Air India Crash Victims
Players from both India and England wore black armbands during the match. This was a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic Air India plane crash earlier this week.
Mandhana’s Journey to Glory
Mandhana, 28, from Mumbai, made her T20I debut in 2013 against Bangladesh at just 16 years old.
Her first international century came in 2016 in an ODI against Australia in Hobart.
In 2021, she scored her maiden Test century in a pink-ball match against Australia on the Gold Coast.
She was recently named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year and also featured in the ICC ODI Team of the Year.
In 2024, she made history by scoring four ODI centuries in a single calendar year – a feat no other woman has achieved.
What’s Next for India?
With this win and Mandhana’s red-hot form, India’s women’s team looks well set for the remaining T20Is against England. Mandhana’s leadership, combined with the return of experienced players, boosts India’s prospects as they build towards the Women’s T20 World Cup.
