Image Credit: Photo via @RaviShastriOfc on X (June 28, 2025)

On June 28 at Trent Bridge, Smriti Mandhana produced a masterclass innings, becoming the first Indian woman—and the first Indian full-member side in WT20Is ever—to smash a century in the format. Coming in during a shaky start, Mandhana dominated from ball one, blasting a scintillating 112 off just 62 balls, peppered with 15 fours and three sixes. Her powerful yet elegant knock steered India to a commanding total and etched her name in history.

Key moments that swung the game

  • Explosive powerplay: Mandhana and Shafali Verma added an electric 77-run stand, with Mandhana countering early pressure after Verma’s slow start (20 off 22 balls).
  • Crucial second-wicket partnership: Harleen Deol joined Mandhana and struck a rapid 43 off just 23 balls, keeping the momentum going and lifting the score past 150 in the middle overs.
  • Late breakthroughs: England struck back in the death overs, with Lauren Bell dismissing both Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues, removing threats but too late to stem the flood of runs.

India’s batting innings: a dominating display

India’s innings was a textbook assault on pace and spin. Mandhana’s century was the backbone, but her support came at critical junctures. Shafali’s slow start was negated by Harleen, and later Deepti Sharma chipped in with an unbeaten cameo (7 off 3 balls), ensuring India finished with their highest-ever T20I total (210/5) against England—an immense platform built largely on Mandhana’s effort and her synergy with support batters.

England’s batting powerplay response

England’s reply stumbled from the outset: early wickets in the powerplay hindered any avalanche of runs. Their top order struggled to cope with India’s disciplined bowling, making steady scoring impossible. The loss of early wickets forced England into a run chase on the back foot, never managing to match India’s frenetic scoring rate.

Key Indian bowling performances

Shree Charani led India’s bowling attack with a stellar spell, claiming 4 wickets for just 12 runs in 3.5 overs. She was well supported by Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, who picked up two wickets each. Interestingly, none of the Indian bowlers needed to complete their full quota of four overs, as the England Women’s team was bundled out inside 15 overs. England Women were bowled out for just 113, suffering a heavy 97-run defeat.

SCORECARD

Player of the Match

Smriti Mandhana earned Player of the Match honours in emphatic fashion. Her blazing 112 set the foundation for India’s historic 210/5. It was a true match-winning performance, and the innings will be remembered as a defining moment in WT20I history.