Smriti Mandhana’s maiden T20I century Photo Credit: Cricbuzz
India delivered a commanding performance in the opening match of the five-game T20I series at Trent Bridge, where Smriti Mandhana’s maiden T20I century and Shree Charani’s debut brilliance led to England’s heaviest-ever Women’s T20I defeat by runs—a crushing 97-run loss that sent shockwaves through the hosts’ camp.
Mandhana’s Historic Century Sets the Tone
Smriti Mandhana, stepping up as captain in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, played a career-defining knock, scoring 112 off just 62 deliveries. Her innings included 15 boundaries and three sixes, anchoring India to a mammoth total of 210 for five. This is India’s second-highest team total in Women’s T20Is and their highest ever against England.
With this feat, Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score international hundreds across all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Her T20I century is also the highest individual score by an Indian woman in the format. Notably, this milestone came with a nod to teammate Radha Yadav, who had urged her to push beyond her typical 70s and 80s scores.
Dream Debut for Shree Charani
On the bowling front, debutant Shree Charani stole the spotlight. The left-arm spinner, fresh from a successful Women’s Premier League stint, dismantled England’s middle and lower order with figures of 4 for 12. Her disciplined bowling and ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions helped trigger a dramatic England collapse.
Charani’s performance provided the perfect complement to Mandhana’s heroics, establishing her as a promising new weapon in India’s spin arsenal.
England Succumbs Under Pressure
Chasing 211, England found themselves in trouble early, losing four wickets within the powerplay. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stood tall with a valiant 66 off 42 balls, but the lack of support from the rest of the lineup proved costly. England eventually folded for just 113 in under 15 overs.
Fielding errors and wayward bowling added to England’s woes. Dropped catches and missed opportunities ensured that they remained on the back foot throughout the contest.
A Victory of Records
India’s 97-run win marks the largest margin of victory by runs against England in Women’s T20I history. The dominant batting display also makes India the first Full Member nation to post consecutive 200+ scores in Women’s T20Is, following their 217/4 against South Africa in December 2024.
Smriti Mandhana’s century and Shree Charani’s debut four-wicket haul are likely to be etched in memory as one of the most complete performances in India’s T20I journey.
Implications for Both Sides
For India, the win signals depth, maturity, and momentum heading into a crucial international season. The emergence of players like Charani, combined with the leadership and form of veterans like Mandhana, positions India as serious contenders for upcoming global tournaments.
On the flip side, England now faces scrutiny. Despite a recent clean sweep of the West Indies, this heavy defeat exposed flaws in both strategy and execution. With new coaching leadership and key players struggling to adjust under pressure, England must regroup quickly.
Captain’s Words and Next Steps
Mandhana credited her bowlers for supporting her batting effort and emphasized a calm, focused leadership approach. “As a batter, it didn’t change much; you have to do the job regardless,” she noted, referring to her temporary role as captain.
Sciver-Brunt, though disappointed, refused to panic: “One person can’t win a game. We’ll pick ourselves up before Bristol.”
The second T20I in Bristol looms large for both sides. England will look to correct their errors, especially in fielding and bowling, while India will aim to build on the momentum and potentially take an unassailable lead in the series.
Final Take: Mandhana Magic, Charani Spark, England Stunned
This match will be remembered as a landmark moment in Indian women’s cricket. Mandhana’s magical hundred and Charani’s dream debut created a perfect storm that left England reeling. For India, it was a showcase of talent, leadership, and execution. For England, it’s a wake-up call. The road to redemption begins now—but they’ll have to overcome a confident, ruthless Indian side already looking ahead.
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