In a remarkable achievement during the second T20I match between India and England at the County Ground in Bristol, Smriti Mandhana etched her name in cricket history. By playing her 150th T20I match, Mandhana became only the second Indian woman cricketer to achieve this feat and the third overall Indian cricketer to do so. This remarkable accomplishment was a milestone not just for Mandhana but also for Indian women’s cricket.
Smriti Mandhana Reaches the Milestone of 150 T20I Matches
The match saw England win the toss and opt to bowl first. After losing the toss, India’s opening duo, Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma, took to the field to begin their innings. Little did they know that this would mark a historic moment in the game of cricket. Mandhana, by stepping onto the field for this match, became the second Indian woman cricketer to play 150 T20I matches. She joined the elite list of Indian cricketers who have reached this impressive milestone, which was previously only achieved by Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Mandhana’s consistency and longevity but also signifies her pivotal role in Indian women’s cricket. Her resilience and ability to perform in the most crucial moments make her one of the most valuable assets to the Indian team.
Smriti Mandhana: A Trailblazer for Left-Handed Batters
Mandhana’s achievement is even more significant considering she is the only left-handed batter among the nine cricketers globally who have played 150 or more T20I matches. This rare feat underlines the incredible skill and talent she brings to the game, distinguishing her as a unique player in world cricket.
Throughout her career, Mandhana has played numerous match-winning innings for India, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Her consistency and ability to rise to the occasion make her one of the most celebrated players in women’s cricket. However, this achievement of playing 150 T20I matches marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career, placing her among the cricketing greats.
List of Cricketers with Most T20I Matches Played
-
Harmanpreet Kaur – 179 T20Is
-
Suzie Bates – 177 T20Is
-
Danni Wyatt-Hodge – 175 T20Is
-
Ellyse Perry – 168 T20Is
-
Alyssa Healy – 162 T20Is
-
Nida Dar – 160 T20Is
-
Rohit Sharma – 159 T20Is
-
Paul Stirling – 151 T20Is
-
Smriti Mandhana – 150 T20Is
Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma Break World Record for Most Runs in Women’s T20I Partnership
In addition to her individual milestone, Smriti Mandhana, alongside Shefali Verma, achieved another remarkable feat in the second T20I match. The opening pair made a stellar start to India’s innings, gathering 11 runs in the first over. However, it was the second over that saw the duo make history. With a single taken off the first ball of the over, Mandhana and Verma collectively surpassed the previous record for the highest partnership in Women’s T20I history.
This incredible partnership has now accumulated a total of 2,724 runs, making it the highest-ever run partnership in Women’s T20Is. The previous record, held by Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, was set at 2,720 runs. This achievement by Mandhana and Verma is a testament to their brilliant chemistry as openers, and it adds to the growing legacy of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
Top Partnerships in Women’s T20I Cricket
-
Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma – 2,724* runs
-
Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney – 2,720 runs
-
Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine – 2,556 runs
-
Isha Oza and Tirtha Satish – 1,985 runs
-
Kavisha Egodage and Isha Oza – 1,976 runs
This partnership between Mandhana and Verma is not just a personal achievement for the two players but a significant moment for Indian cricket as a whole. The duo’s ability to build such a strong partnership under pressure reflects their dedication and skill as openers, setting a high benchmark for future generations.
India’s Dominance in Women’s T20I Cricket
India’s rise in women’s cricket has been marked by consistent performances and record-breaking feats. Smriti Mandhana, as one of the leaders of this revolution, continues to pave the way for the next generation of players. With her contribution to India’s historic T20I series against England, she has further cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in world cricket.
Mandhana’s journey from a young player to one of the most experienced cricketers in the world is an inspiration to many. Her achievements, particularly in this series, serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, talent, and hard work. Her record-breaking partnership with Shefali Verma is just another example of how far Indian women’s cricket has come in recent years.
Looking Ahead
As the series progresses, Smriti Mandhana and her teammates will be looking to continue their dominance on the field. With such remarkable achievements already under their belts, Indian fans will be hoping that their team can build on this momentum and continue to break records in international cricket.
With players like Mandhana leading the way, the future of Indian women’s cricket looks brighter than ever. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for young girls aspiring to make their mark in the world of sports.
Smriti Mandhana’s achievement of playing 150 T20I matches, coupled with her world-record partnership with Shefali Verma, underscores the growing stature of Indian women’s cricket. These milestones are not just personal accomplishments but also contribute to the team’s legacy on the global stage. As the Indian women’s cricket team continues to rise, Smriti Mandhana’s name will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history.