The Indian women’s cricket team kicked off their England tour in spectacular fashion, thanks to a blistering century from star batter Smriti Mandhana. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player set the tone in the first T20 match, leading her team to a massive 97-run victory over England. Her fearless knock not only secured the win but also etched her name deeper into cricket history.
Mandhana wasted no time getting into her groove. From the very first ball, she dictated the pace, punishing every England bowler who dared to challenge her. Reaching her half-century in just 27 balls, she then accelerated even further. The crowd watched in awe as she brought up her century in only 51 deliveries. The innings was packed with 14 boundaries and 3 towering sixes, showcasing her impeccable timing and power.
This wasn’t just any century. With this knock, Mandhana became only the second Indian batter to score a T20I century, joining the ranks of Harmanpreet Kaur. But she didn’t stop there. She outperformed Kaur’s record by hammering 17 boundaries in her innings, surpassing Kaur’s 15. Her final score? A stunning 112 runs off 62 balls at a strike rate of 180.64.
Her heroics propelled India to a formidable total of 210 for 5 in their 20 overs. While Mandhana was the undeniable star, Harleen Deol provided excellent support with a quickfire 43 off just 23 balls. Together, they left the English bowlers searching for answers.
The match wasn’t just about team dominance. Mandhana’s century marked a historic milestone in Indian cricket. She became the first Indian woman to score a century in all three formats of the game. Her resume now includes 2 Test centuries, 11 in ODIs, and now, a magnificent T20I hundred.
Fans and analysts alike are calling this one of her finest performances. It sets a thrilling tone for the remaining four matches of the series. If this is just the start, England will need to rethink their strategy fast.
Mandhana’s consistency and flair continue to inspire young cricketers across India. With every innings, she proves why she’s one of the most feared batters in the game today. The England tour has started with fireworks, and if Mandhana maintains this form, records will keep tumbling.