A historic night unfolded at Trent Bridge, as the Indian women’s cricket team delivered an utterly dominant performance, inflicting England’s worst-ever defeat in Women’s T20 Internationals. Spearheading this monumental victory were two phenomenal individuals: the elegant Smriti Mandhana, who crafted a breathtaking century, and the debutant sensation Shree Charani, whose four-wicket haul ripped through the English batting lineup.
This 97-run triumph was not just a win; it was a statement. It showcased India’s rising power in the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the record books and setting a ferocious tone for the ongoing five-match series, which India now leads 1-0.
Smriti Mandhana’s Batting Masterclass: A Historic First for India
Smriti Mandhana, stepping in as captain in the absence of the rested Harmanpreet Kaur (due to a precautionary head injury from a warm-up match, as confirmed by the BCCI), rose to the occasion with a knock for the ages. Her 112 runs came off a mere 62 balls, a display of pure cricketing artistry and power hitting.
This century wasn’t just impressive; it was historic. Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score centuries across all three formats of the game – Test, ODI, and T20I – a testament to her versatility and sheer class. Her innings was a blend of graceful stroke play and aggressive intent, leaving the English bowlers searching for answers.
Shree Charani’s Dream Debut: A Four-Wicket Spectacle
While Mandhana illuminated the batting charts, the 20-year-old Shree Charani announced her arrival on the international stage with a spellbinding performance. On her T20I debut, Charani delivered figures of 4 wickets for just 12 runs, effectively dismantling England’s chase. This was the second-best bowling return by an Indian debutante in Women’s T20Is, instantly marking her as a player to watch.
Her ability to pick up crucial wickets under pressure and maintain an impeccable line and length showcased a maturity beyond her years, proving to be the perfect foil to India’s batting dominance.
India’s Batting Blitz: Mandhana and Deol Lead the Charge
Having been asked to bat first by England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, India posted a formidable total of 210 for five, a target that seemed insurmountable from the outset. The foundation was primarily laid by Mandhana and Harleen Deol, who shared a blistering 94-run partnership for the second wicket.
Mandhana began the carnage early, despite an uncharacteristically subdued Shafali Varma, who struggled for timing on her return to top-flight cricket. Mandhana’s aggression ensured India reached close to the three-figure mark within the first eight overs, almost single-handedly injecting momentum into the innings.
The arrival of Harleen Deol, however, provided the perfect acceleration. Deol, though briefly reprieved by a dropped catch at 26 by Danny Wyatt-Hodge off Alice Capsey, quickly found her rhythm, matching Mandhana’s intensity. Together, they turned the screws on the English attack.
Mandhana’s Milestones: From Fifty to Century in a Flash
Mandhana’s innings was a masterclass in acceleration. She reached her fifty in a brisk 27 balls, and then shifted into an even higher gear, bringing up her next 50 in just 24 deliveries. She mercilessly attacked England’s spin contingent, smashing three boundaries off left-arm spinner Linsey Smith in the fourth over, and later launching Sophie Ecclestone for two towering sixes in the seventh.
Surpassing her previous T20I best of 87, Mandhana reached her maiden T20I century in emphatic style, hammering two consecutive boundaries off pacer Lauren Bell. This monumental knock also surpassed Harmanpreet Kaur’s previous record of 103 for the highest individual score by an Indian in Women’s T20Is, a testament to Mandhana’s growing legacy.
While Mandhana continued her destructive display, Harleen Deol played a smart supporting role, relying on sweeps and finding gaps against a generally wayward English bowling attack. England’s Lauren Bell eventually claimed Deol’s wicket, finishing as their most successful bowler with 3 for 27, but the damage was already done.
England’s Reply: A Lone Warrior Against India’s Might
Chasing 211, England’s innings never truly took off. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt fought a valiant, almost solitary, battle, top-scoring with 66 runs off 42 balls. However, her efforts were not enough to stem the tide. England lost half their line-up within the first 10 overs, their score still short of 100.
The relentless pressure from the Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Charani’s devastating spell, ensured England crumbled rapidly. They were eventually bundled out for just 113 runs in 14.5 overs, sealing a historic 97-run victory for India.
A Defining Win: Setting the Tone for the Series
This comprehensive victory was more than just a win; it was a clear demonstration of India’s prowess and determination. With Mandhana leading from the front with the bat and Charani making an unforgettable debut with the ball, India has laid down a significant marker, leaving England with much to ponder as the series progresses.
