India Women Crush England in T20I Opener with Smriti Mandhana’s Blazing Century

Team India’s women cricketers made a thunderous start to their five-match T20I series against England, securing a record-breaking 97-run victory in the first match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The star of the evening was Smriti Mandhana, whose sensational century powered India to a commanding total, backed by a clinical bowling performance that left England reeling.

Smriti Mandhana Steals the Show

Opening the batting, Smriti Mandhana delivered a masterclass, scoring 112 runs off just 61 balls, including 15 boundaries and 5 sixes. Her innings, a perfect blend of aggression and elegance, silenced the English crowd and reaffirmed her status as one of the world’s premier batters. This was her third T20I century, placing her among the elite in women’s cricket.

India posted a formidable 210 for 4 in their 20 overs, their highest-ever T20I total against England. Mandhana’s knock was complemented by Jemimah Rodrigues’ brisk 38 off 27 balls, forming a crucial partnership that set the tone for India’s dominance. Mandhana’s ability to dispatch deliveries to all parts of the ground with impeccable timing left England’s bowlers searching for answers.

England Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing a daunting 211, England’s batting lineup crumbled, bowled out for just 113 in 17.4 overs. India’s bowlers, led by Shree Charani’s fiery spell of 4 wickets for 17 runs, were relentless. Deepti Sharma and Renuka Thakur supported with two wickets each, applying constant pressure and exploiting England’s fragile middle order.

Despite a brief resistance from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who scored 34 off 25 balls, England’s chase faltered due to poor shot selection and mounting scoreboard pressure. The collapse highlighted India’s disciplined bowling attack, which executed their plans with precision.

Score Summary

India Women: 210/4 (20 overs)

• Smriti Mandhana – 112 (61)

• Jemimah Rodrigues – 38 (27)

England Women: 113 all out (17.4 overs)

• Nat Sciver-Brunt – 34 (25)

• Shree Charani – 4/17

• Deepti Sharma – 2/19

Result: India won by 97 runs
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana

Reactions and Celebrations

Receiving the Player of the Match award, Mandhana said:

“It’s always a great feeling to perform against a strong team like England. We wanted to start the series with intent, and this win sets the tone perfectly.”

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s all-round effort, particularly highlighting the bowlers’ discipline. On the other side, England captain Heather Knight admitted her team was “completely outplayed in all departments” but vowed a stronger comeback in the next game.

What’s Next?

The second T20I is scheduled for July 2 at Old Trafford, Manchester. With India leading 1–0, England faces the challenge of regrouping to level the series, while India will aim to maintain their momentum.

Final Word

India’s emphatic victory is more than just a win—it’s a statement of intent. With Smriti Mandhana in scintillating form and the bowlers firing on all cylinders, India has set a high bar in the series opener. As the cricketing world watches, this performance signals India’s ambition to dominate the women’s T20 landscape.