Top 5 T20I Knocks of Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana is a name synonymous with power, elegance, and a never-say-die attitude in Indian women’s cricket. Her journey from following her brother to the nets to becoming the world’s No. 1 ranked ODI batter is an inspiration.

Mandhana’s aggressive opening style, with a repertoire of exquisite strokes, strikes fear into the hearts of bowlers. Not only has she shattered numerous batting records, but her leadership qualities were on display when she captained the Royal Challengers Bangalore to victory in the inaugural WPL season.

Mandhana’s consistent brilliance is a pillar for the Indian team, and her hunger for runs promises many more milestones to come. In this article, we cover the top 5 T20 international knocks of Smriti Mandhana.

1. 83 (55 balls) Vs Australia – T20 World Cup 2018

Smriti Mandhana stole the show in the 2018 T20 World Cup with a scintillating 83 off 55 balls against arch-rivals Australia. India, needing a strong showing, found themselves at 49/2 early on. But Mandhana, batting with elegance and aggression, took charge. Her knock, a career-best in T20Is at the time, was laced with exquisite boundaries and audacious sixes.

A crucial review for LBW saved her wicket, adding valuable runs to her total. With Harmanpreet Kaur chipping in with a quickfire 43, Mandhana propelled India to a strong 167/8. Her knock not only helped her reach 1000 T20I runs at the second-fastest pace for India, but it also laid the foundation for a dominant 48-run victory.

2. 61 (32 balls) Vs England – Commonwealth Games, Semi-final, 2022

Smriti Mandhana’s batting brilliance propelled India into the 2022 Commonwealth Games cricket final. Facing arch-rivals England in the semi-final, Mandhana unleashed a whirlwind knock of 61 runs from just 32 balls. Her elegant yet brutal strokeplay included eight fours and three sixes, leaving the English bowlers helpless.

This knock wasn’t just impactful; it was historic. Mandhana smashed the record for the fastest T20I fifty in women’s cricket, reaching the milestone in a mere 23 deliveries.

3. 79 (53 balls) Vs England 2022

Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 79 off 53 balls in the 2nd T20I of 2022 against England was a match-winning knock. Coming after a loss in the first match, India needed a strong response. Openers Mandhana and Shafali Verma started well, but wickets fell, leaving the responsibility on Mandhana’s shoulders. Her elegant strokeplay found the boundary 13 times, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Mandhana found crucial support from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and the duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership to chase down the target with 20 balls to spare.

4. 74 (51 balls) Vs West Indies 2023

Smriti Mandhana played a starring role for India in their convincing 56-run victory over West Indies in the 2023 T20I Tri-Series in South Africa. Opting to bat first, Mandhana, the vice-captain, anchored the innings with a brilliant knock of 74 runs off just 51 deliveries. Her innings were laced with 10 boundaries and a six, showcasing her aggressive strokeplay.

Mandhana’s knock came after a shaky start for India as they lost their opening partner early. However, she found a reliable ally in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (56*). Together, they stitched an unbeaten partnership of 115 runs, propelling India to a strong total of 167/2. The Windies batting order faltered in response, and India’s bowlers restricted them to 111/4, sealing a comfortable win.

5. 87 (56 balls) Vs Ireland – T20 World Cup 2023

Smriti Mandhana’s career-defining knock of 87 runs from 56 balls propelled India into the semifinals of the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Facing Ireland in a must-win encounter, India opted to bat first. Mandhana, the vice-captain, anchored the innings on a challenging pitch with strong winds.

Despite early struggles, she displayed remarkable grit, finding boundaries with nine fours and three sixes. Crucially, she capitalized on dropped catches, showcasing her mental resilience. Her knock proved invaluable as India reached a competitive 155/6. This score, defended brilliantly by the bowlers, secured a narrow victory by the DLS method and a place in the final four.