Cricket by olds is still a batsman’s game. No matter how good yorkers and slower ones are, in the heart of fans and traditional lovers of the game, it is a cover drive or a square cut that brings more delight. Batsman has always been the center of the game. However, things seem to be changing for good. Nevertheless, we shall focus on one of India’s premier opener for today.
A left-handed batter that has taken all the world by her side with her majestic shots on the field and a beautiful smile off the field. Smriti Mandhana has been one of the pillars of the Indian batting line up. In big matches and for times that need something special, Smriti makes sure she is on the field. One of the biggest highlights of our wonderful career has been her inclusion in Wisden’s Almanack.
Not only this, but she has also been subjected to love and recognition from cricketing fraternity throughout her career. As a seasoned cricketer and even a fan will tell, these are just products of the dedication and the performances on the field.
Of all the great performances from the left-handed powerhouse, she has had 4 delightful centuries that will surely make a way when highlights of her career are searched for.
1st Century: in Australia
Her first century was a dream for all new players who tour Australia. She got her first ODI hundred at Hobart in Australia. While the team lost the other opener for a duck, Mandhana kept her calm and batted with skipper Mithali to get a 150-run stand for the second wicket. The pair batted for 31 overs. Smriti got 102 in just 109 deliveries. However, with a target of 253 and a T20 series lost, Aussies were not in the mood to go easy. They chased the total with efforts from all batsman and the first century from Smriti vent in vain. Nonetheless, this was not going to stop her. In the same year, she emerged as one of the best batters and got herself into the World XI.
2nd Century: in England
The next year, Smriti was batting in the ICC world cup. There was no better stage to make her mark. In the game against Windies, Smriti got another century to her name and second for her ODIs. Chasing a smaller target at such tournaments can be tough but Smriti made sure that her side cruises to a comfortable win. She got 90 in the previous game against England that started on the same tone at Bristol County against West Indies. She got her century in 105 balls with shots all around the park.
3rd Century: in South Africa
The next year when the team got off to South Africa, it was the Smriti Show in the ODIs. She scored a match-winning 84 in the first match, but it was at Kimberley that she stepped up and got herself the third century. She smashed the Proteas all around the park with vital support from the batters at the other end. The Indian team went to cross 300 and grab the match comfortably. Smriti got 135 and a player of the match to her tally. Australia, South Africa, England were done, and it was only New Zealand left. With centuries in SENA, Smriti could have become the first Indian women cricket to score centuries all SENA nations.
4th Century: in New Zealand
Nothing could have meant for an opener to register her name in places where batting is not on flat tracks and balls changes courses with bounce and pace. It was in 2019 that Smriti got a century in New Zealand against the hosts. While chasing a target of 193, Indian opener smashed the bowlers to all corners. She scored 105 and got her team behind the line by 9 wickets in Napier. She has been one of the most consistent and reliable batters for the Indian side. With more players like her, women cricket in India can grow on icons that appeal to the masses.
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.
