Smriti Mandhana's magnificent century propelled India to a dominant 97-run victory over England in the first T20I of the five-match series at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Saturday. With this win, India leads the series 1-0.
Asked to bat first, India posted a commanding total of 210/5, their second-highest ever in women's T20Is. Mandhana's stellar knock of 112 runs off 62 balls was the centerpiece of the innings. Her innings was laced with 15 fours and three sixes. She reached her century in just 51 balls, marking her maiden T20I hundred.
With this century, Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket. She also registered the highest individual score by an Indian in women's T20Is, surpassing Harmanpreet Kaur's 103 at the 2018 T20 World Cup.
Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided India with a flying start, building a 77-run opening stand in 51 balls. Mandhana then forged a 94-run partnership with Harleen Deol in just 45 deliveries. Deol contributed a valuable 43 off 23 balls. Lauren Bell was the pick of the English bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs.
In response, England were bundled out for a mere 113 in 14.5 overs. England's captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, fought a lone battle, scoring 66 off 42 balls. However, the Indian bowlers maintained tight control, with debutant Shree Charani making a significant impact, claiming 4 wickets for just 12 runs. Charani's wickets included key players such as Alice Capsey, Sciver-Brunt, and Sophie Ecclestone. Deepti Sharma also contributed with 2 wickets. England's collapse saw them lose their last five wickets for just 25 runs.
The victory was India's largest win against England in women's T20s and only their ninth in 31 meetings. Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
The series serves as important preparation for India ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be held in England next year. The second T20I will be played in Bristol on July 1.
The Indian squad is currently without regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was sidelined due to a head injury sustained during a warm-up match. In her absence, Smriti Mandhana is leading the team.
