Smriti Mandhana Creates History with Record-Breaking T20I Century as Stand-In Captain
Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the record books on Saturday by smashing her maiden T20 International century, leading India to a dominant total of 210 for 5 against England in the first T20I at Nottingham. Her sensational knock of 112 off just 62 balls is now the highest individual score by an Indian woman in T20Is, surpassing the previous record of 103 set by Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mandhana, captaining the side in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet, played with unmatched authority and poise, setting the tone for India’s innings from the outset. Despite her opening partner Shafali Verma struggling to find rhythm—scoring 20 off 22 balls—Mandhana held her own and ensured India maintained momentum. The pair put together a solid 77-run opening stand in 8.3 overs, laying the foundation for a massive total.
Throughout her innings, Mandhana showcased her wide range of strokes, combining graceful timing with aggressive shot-making. She anchored the innings with confidence and demonstrated leadership beyond just tactics, inspiring the team with her performance on a big stage.
This century not only marks a personal milestone for Mandhana but also underlines her growing stature in world cricket. With this record-breaking feat, she becomes the first Indian woman to score a T20I hundred as a captain, further cementing her legacy in Indian cricket.
India’s total of 210 is one of their highest in T20Is and sets a formidable target for England. Mandhana’s innings is being hailed by fans and cricketing legends alike as a defining moment in Indian women’s cricket.
As India begins the series on a high, Mandhana’s performance stands as a symbol of the growing dominance and skill of Indian women in the international cricket arena.
