Smriti Mandhana's magnificent century propelled India to a resounding 97-run victory over England in the first T20I of the five-match series at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. This win marks India's biggest-ever T20I victory against England and gives them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, India's innings was built around Mandhana's masterful 112 off 62 balls. This was her maiden T20I century, making her the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Her score is also the highest individual score by an Indian woman in T20Is, surpassing Harmanpreet Kaur's 103 at the 2018 T20 World Cup.
Mandhana's innings was a blend of elegance and power, featuring 15 fours and three sixes. She started strongly, forming a 77-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma. Despite Verma's relatively slow innings of 20 off 22 balls, Mandhana ensured the momentum remained with India. She then forged a rapid 94-run partnership with Harleen Deol, who contributed a quick-fire 43 off 23 balls. India reached an imposing total of 210/5, their second-highest ever in Women's T20Is and their highest against England. Lauren Bell was the pick of the English bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs.
In response, England's batting lineup crumbled under pressure. They lost both openers within the first two overs, falling to 9/2. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt fought valiantly with 66 off 42 balls, but received little support from the other batters. Debutant Shree Charani was the star with the ball for India, taking 4 wickets for just 12 runs. Her wickets included key dismissals of Alice Capsey and Sciver-Brunt, effectively derailing England's chase. England were eventually bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs. Charani was also instrumental in wrapping up the innings by dismissing Lauren Bell.
This victory is a significant one for India, not only for the margin of victory but also for the records broken and the confidence it will give them for the rest of the series. Mandhana's achievement places her among a handful of cricketers globally to have scored centuries in all three formats. The second T20I will be played in Bristol on Tuesday.
