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Smriti Mandhana's performance in the recently concluded T20I series against the West Indies was nothing short of phenomenal. Her contributions weren't just significant for India's series victory, they redefined several benchmarks in women's T20I cricket. In the series-deciding third match, Mandhana blazed her way to a stunning 77 runs, a knock that served as the cornerstone of India's record-breaking 217/4 total. This innings alone was a testament to her exceptional talent, showcasing a masterful blend of controlled aggression and consistent stroke play. The impact of her performance extended far beyond this single match, however. Her exceptional batting throughout the three-match series propelled her to numerous individual milestones, solidifying her position as one of the greatest women's T20I batters of all time.
One of the most noteworthy achievements was Mandhana's surpassing of Suzie Bates' long-held world record for the most 50+ scores in women's T20Is. With her 77-run knock, Mandhana achieved her 30th fifty-plus score in only 148 matches, eclipsing Bates' impressive tally of 29 scores in 171 matches. This remarkable feat underscores not only her exceptional ability to consistently deliver high-scoring performances but also her longevity and sustained excellence in the format. Further cementing her legacy, Mandhana also overtook Bates’ record for the most fours in women’s T20Is, accumulating a staggering 506 boundaries throughout her career. This record highlights her remarkable ability to accumulate runs consistently and her power hitting capabilities, making her a force to be reckoned with on any cricket pitch.
Beyond these individual achievements, Mandhana’s contributions in the series against the West Indies were equally impactful. She amassed an incredible 193 runs in the three-match contest, surpassing Mithali Raj's previously held record for the most runs scored in a bilateral T20I series for India. This achievement showcases her consistency and dominance across multiple matches, and further underlines her vital role in the team's success. Considering her remarkable year, accumulating a total of 763 runs in just 23 matches in 2024, Mandhana’s record-breaking streak shows no sign of slowing down. This staggering total surpasses Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu’s previous record of 720 runs in the same period, solidifying Mandhana's status as the highest run-scorer in women's T20I cricket for the year.
Mandhana’s exceptional performance was not solely responsible for India's resounding series victory. The team's success also benefited significantly from the explosive innings played by Richa Ghosh, who contributed a stunning 54 runs off only 21 balls. This whirlwind knock not only added to India’s substantial total but also equalled the world record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, demonstrating the remarkable depth of talent within the Indian women’s cricket team. The combination of Mandhana’s consistent brilliance and Ghosh’s explosive power-hitting proved to be an unstoppable force for the West Indies bowlers. The match showcased the remarkable talent and potential of the Indian team, highlighting their dominance and capability to achieve exceptional results on the international stage.
The series victory, marked by these incredible individual feats, was a resounding success for the Indian women’s cricket team. Beyond the records broken, it highlighted the phenomenal talent within the squad and underscored the exciting future ahead for Indian women's cricket. The performances of Mandhana and Ghosh represent not just individual achievements but a testament to the dedication, hard work, and strategic planning of the entire team. This victory is a significant moment in the history of Indian women's cricket, and serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country, inspiring a new generation to chase their own dreams of sporting excellence. Their success offers a powerful message: that hard work, relentless dedication, and unwavering belief in oneself can lead to unparalleled success, shattering preconceived notions and setting new standards in the world of sport.
Source: Smriti Mandhana shatters multiple records in India's series clinching win over West Indies