Mandhana's Century, Charani's Debut Heroics Power India to Crushing T20I Win Over England

Smriti Mandhana's stunning century and a remarkable debut bowling performance from Shree Charani propelled India to a decisive victory over England in the first women's T20I on Saturday, June 28.

The match saw India inflict a heavy defeat on the English side.

A Record-Breaking Performance

India's women's cricket team delivered a commanding performance, securing a resounding 97-run win against England at Trent Bridge. This victory was largely thanks to an outstanding century by stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, who set the stage for India to amass a formidable total of 210 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

Mandhana scored 112 on Saturday (Courtesy: Reuters)

Smriti Mandhana's brilliant century set the tone for India's dominant performance.

England's Batting Woes

In pursuit of the challenging target, the English batting lineup struggled against the Indian bowlers, with the exception of Nat Sciver-Brunt. The hosts succumbed to their most significant loss in the T20I format. Sciver-Brunt managed to score 66, but the true star of the second innings was Sree Charani. Making her debut, Charani claimed four wickets for a mere 12 runs, dismantling England for just 113 runs in 14.5 overs.

Key Moments of the Match

Harmanpreet's Absence

India faced a setback before the match began when captain Harmanpreet Kaur was ruled out due to a head injury sustained during warm-up. Mandhana stepped in as captain on a pitch that favored batting.

Mandhana's Early Onslaught

England chose to bowl first, and Mandhana immediately took the initiative. Despite her aggressive start, India managed only 47 runs in the first six overs due to Shafali Verma's struggle to find her rhythm.

Turning the Tide

The seventh over proved to be a game-changer. Mandhana targeted Sophie Eccelstone, hitting her for two sixes and a boundary, resulting in 19 runs off the over.

Shafali's Departure and Harleen's Contribution

Soon after reaching her 31st T20I fifty, Mandhana saw Shafali dismissed, bringing Harleen Deol to the crease. Harleen seized the opportunity, contributing four boundaries that allowed Mandhana to accelerate further.

A Century to Remember

Mandhana reached her century, becoming the second Indian batter to achieve this milestone. The skipper's elegant shots and accelerating run rate put India in a commanding position.

Charani's Bowling Brilliance

England's chase faltered due to a combination of disciplined Indian bowling and impatient batting. Sophia Dunkley fell early to Amanjot Kaur, followed by Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. Sciver-Brunt fought a lone battle, but Charani's introduction turned the game decisively in India's favor.

Charani's wickets, including that of Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell, sealed India's comprehensive victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

The next match is scheduled for July 1 in Bristol.