Women’s cricket continues to shine with remarkable talent, and Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team, solidified her place as one of the game’s modern greats. In the third T20I against the West Indies, Mandhana played a pivotal role, making key contributions that were instrumental in India’s historic victory.
Historic Performance in the Third Match
Thursday’s match was a stunning showcase of Smriti Mandhana’s skill and aggression. Her 77-run innings helped India reach their highest-ever T20I score of 217/4. Paired with Richa Ghosh’s explosive performance, India clinched the series victory, reaffirming their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
Mandhana not only led her team to success but also set several personal records:
- 50+ Points Record: Mandhana surpassed Suzie Bates’ record of 30 appearances with scores of 50 or more. While Bates achieved this in 171 games, Mandhana reached the milestone in just 148 matches.
- Record for 506 Fours: Mandhana also broke Bates’ long-standing record for most fours, reaching 506 in her career.
- T20I Series Points Record: Mandhana scored a total of 193 runs in three matches against the West Indies, breaking Mithali Raj’s previous record of 192 runs in five games against South Africa in 2018.
- Richa Ghosh, in support of Mandhana, set a world record for the fastest fifty in a women’s T20I. Her explosive 54 off just 21 balls played a pivotal role in India’s commanding performance, matching the world record for the fastest fifty.
Mandhana’s outstanding form continued throughout the year, finishing the calendar year with 763 runs in 23 T20I matches, setting a new record. This surpasses Chamari Athapaththu’s 720 runs in 2024. Both Mandhana and Ghosh have become essential figures in international women’s cricket, thanks to their exceptional performances this year.
Significance of India’s Win
India’s series victory against the West Indies was not only a sporting achievement but also a testament to the growing power of the Indian women’s cricket team. The win highlighted the balance between experienced leaders like Smriti Mandhana and emerging talents such as Richa Ghosh. The team has shown remarkable adaptability, dominating regardless of the challenges.
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After the victory, Mandhana expressed her gratitude to the team, stressing the importance of collective effort. “These records are the result of the entire team’s efforts. I’m proud to represent India and contribute to our win,” she stated. The coaching staff emphasized that this is just the beginning, with aspirations for greater achievements.
Performances from players like Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh continue to elevate women’s cricket, inspiring young players. Their accomplishments underscore the evolution of women’s cricket and its increasing entertainment value. As fan interest grows, players like Mandhana become influential role models.
History of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team
Founded in 1976, the Indian women’s cricket team made its Test debut against the West Indies. Despite facing numerous challenges, the team has made significant strides. One of their early successes was winning the Asia Cup in 2004, marking the beginning of India’s dominance in the region.
Under the leadership of iconic players like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, the team has repeatedly showcased its competitive spirit on the world stage. The 2017 Women’s World Cup final was a landmark moment, where India, despite losing to England, captured the hearts of millions with their resilient play.
Today, the Indian women’s cricket team is one of the top teams globally, with players such as Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur continuing to break records and inspire a new generation. Their achievements have helped popularize women’s cricket in India, drawing more fans and sponsors to the sport.