Smriti Mandhana's stunning maiden T20I century propelled India to a commanding 97-run victory over England in the first T20I of the five-match series at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. With this win, India leads the series 1-0. Stand-in skipper Mandhana led from the front, scoring a magnificent 112 off 62 balls, setting the stage for India's imposing total of 210/5. In response, England's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing a mere 113 runs in 14.5 overs.
Harmanpreet Kaur was rested as a precaution after suffering a head injury during a warm-up match against an ECB eleven. England won the toss and chose to field first. India's innings was characterized by Mandhana's aggressive strokeplay and her ability to find boundaries all around the ground. She reached her fifty in 27 balls and then accelerated to reach her century off 51 balls. Her innings included 16 fours and 3 sixes.
Mandhana's opening partner, Shafali Verma, making a comeback to the team, contributed 20 runs, but it was Mandhana who dominated the 77-run opening stand. Following Verma's dismissal, Harleen Deol joined Mandhana and provided valuable support with a quickfire 43 off 23 balls. Together, they added 94 runs for the second wicket, further solidifying India's position.
In addition to becoming the second Indian woman to score a T20I century, Mandhana also became the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket. Her score of 112 is now the highest individual score for India in Women's T20Is, surpassing Harmanpreet Kaur's previous record of 103.
England's chase got off to a disastrous start, losing Sophia Dunkley early. The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with debutante left-arm spinner Shree Charani leading the charge. Charani took 4 wickets for just 12 runs in her 3.5 overs, effectively dismantling the English batting order. Spinners Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma also contributed with two wickets each, ensuring England could never recover. Nat Sciver-Brunt offered some resistance with a valiant 66 off 42 balls, but it wasn't enough to prevent a heavy defeat.
The Indian bowlers were impressive, sticking to their task. England were eventually bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs, handing India a comprehensive 97-run victory. This was England's heaviest defeat in T20Is. The second T20I of the series will be played in Bristol.
