Smriti Mandhana once again proved why she’s a cornerstone of Indian cricket, smashing her third consecutive fifty in the T20I series against the West Indies. Leading the Indian team in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana showcased her impeccable form, scoring a stunning 77 in the series decider.
India, batting first in the third T20I, found themselves in trouble early on with the dismissal of Uma Chetry in the very first over. However, Mandhana stepped up to the challenge, seamlessly balancing her dual responsibilities as captain and batter. She anchored the innings with poise and aggression, steering India to a formidable total.
A Series of Remarkable Knocks
Mandhana’s final T20I knock of 77 was the icing on the cake after a stellar series. She started the series with an impressive 54 in the first T20I, laying a strong foundation for India’s victory. Her commanding fifty in the second T20I further solidified her dominance over the opposition bowlers.
In the third match, Mandhana continued her fine form, crafting a scintillating innings. Her fifty came off just 27 balls, featuring nine boundaries and a towering six. By the end of her innings, she had scored 77 off 46 balls at a strike rate of 163, hitting 13 boundaries and one six. This incredible performance also saw her cross the 500-fours milestone in T20Is, an extraordinary achievement in the format.
A series to remember for Smriti Mandhana 😍
3 Consecutive Fifties 🔥 #CricketTwitter #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/Dpf6x8WIUI
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 19, 2024
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Mandhana’s innings in the final T20I marked her 30th half-century in the T20I format, making her the batter with the most 50+ scores in women’s T20Is. This exceptional milestone is a testament to her consistency and adaptability across different conditions and opponents.
The southpaw found a reliable partner in Jemimah Rodrigues, with whom she stitched a crucial 98-run stand for the second wicket. Together, they kept the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs, ensuring India maintained a brisk pace. Mandhana’s ability to find gaps and score boundaries effortlessly in the powerplay was a highlight, as she dispatched the opposition bowlers with finesse and authority.
Mandhana’s innings wasn’t just about anchoring; it was also about leading from the front with aggression. Post her fifty, she accelerated, ensuring India built a challenging total. Her captaincy on the field matched her dominance with the bat, as she inspired her teammates with her performance.
Mandhana ended the T20I series as India’s top scorer with 193 runs in three innings. Her form was instrumental in India’s success, especially in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana’s leadership and batting prowess lifted the team, giving fans plenty of reasons to celebrate.
As India crossed the 200-run mark in the final T20I, Mandhana’s contribution stood out as the cornerstone of the team’s innings. Though she was eventually dismissed by Deandra Dottin, her 77-run knock laid the foundation for a strong total, which proved to be the difference in the match.
Smriti Mandhana’s exceptional performances throughout the series underline her importance to Indian cricket. Her ability to deliver under pressure, coupled with her leadership skills, makes her one of the most valuable players in the women’s game today. With milestones like 30 T20I fifties and over 500 boundaries under her belt, Mandhana continues to set new benchmarks and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
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