Mandhana's Blistering Century, Charani's Debut Four-Fer Power India to Crushing T20I Win Over England

Smriti Mandhana's magnificent century and Sree Charani's stellar bowling debut orchestrated a resounding victory for India over England in the first Women's T20I, played on Saturday, June 28, marking a significant statement in the series.

India's women's cricket team showcased their dominance, securing a comprehensive win against England.

Mandhana scored 112 on Saturday (Courtesy: Reuters)

The match witnessed a record-breaking performance, underlining India's prowess in the T20I format.

Key Highlights:

• India inflicted England's most substantial defeat in Women's T20Is.
• Smriti Mandhana was the highest scorer for India, amassing 112 runs.
• Sree Charani achieved remarkable figures of four for 12 during her debut.

Mandhana's Masterclass Leads India's Charge

While the men's team faced a tough loss at Headingley, the Indian women's team delivered a commanding 97-run victory in the first T20I against England at Trent Bridge on Saturday, June 28. Smriti Mandhana, stepping in as captain, spearheaded the innings with a spectacular century, enabling India to set a formidable total of 210 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

England's Batting Lineup Falters

In response, the England batting lineup, with the exception of Nat Sciver-Brunt, succumbed to the Indian bowlers, resulting in their most significant defeat in the T20I format. Sciver-Brunt scored a valiant 66, but the spotlight shone on Sree Charani, who, on her debut, claimed four wickets for just 12 runs, dismantling England for a mere 113 runs in 14.5 overs.

Harmanpreet's Absence Not Felt

Prior to the toss, India faced a setback as captain Harmanpreet Kaur was ruled out due to a head injury sustained during a warm-up game. Consequently, Mandhana assumed the captaincy on a pitch that favored the batters.

England opted to bowl first, and Mandhana immediately took the initiative. While Shafali Verma struggled to find her rhythm at the other end, Mandhana struck a series of boundaries. Despite Mandhana's brisk 31 off 19 balls, India managed only 47 runs in the powerplay.

Mandhana's Aggression Shifts Momentum

The turning point arrived in the seventh over when Mandhana targeted Sophie Ecclestone, hitting her for two sixes and a boundary, accumulating 19 runs off the over.

Mandhana soon reached her 31st T20I half-century. Shafali's departure brought Harleen Deol to the crease, who seized the opportunity presented by Harmanpreet's injury.

Harleen's confident start, marked by four boundaries, allowed Mandhana to accelerate further. A dropped catch by Wyatt-Hodge proved costly as the duo quickly formed a fifty-run partnership.

A Century to Remember

Having come close on numerous occasions, Mandhana finally achieved her century, etching her name in the record books as the second Indian batter to reach the milestone. The run rate surged, fueled by Mandhana's elegant strokeplay.

Following Harleen's dismissal for a well-compiled 43 off 23 balls, wickets began to fall. Mandhana added further runs before being dismissed in the final over, but the damage was already done.

Charani's Bowling Prowess Seals Victory

England's struggles stemmed not from the pitch conditions but from their approach to the chase. While the surface remained conducive to batting, the English batters appeared rushed. Sophia Dunkley fell early to Amanjot Kaur in the first over.

Danielle Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed on the first ball of the second over, leaving the hosts in dire straits. Sciver-Brunt stood out, guiding them to 58 in 6 overs before Beaumont was dismissed by Deepti Sharma.

The wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Charani claimed her first wicket, dismissing Capsey and leaving England reeling at 71 for 5 in nine overs. Sciver-Brunt reached her half-century off 31 balls but received little support as Charani spearheaded the cleanup operation.

She dismissed Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell to secure India's 1-0 lead in the series.

The next match will be held in Bristol on July 1.