Smriti Mandhana achieved a unique feat during the first T20I, became the first Indian woman batsman to do so

Smriti Mandhana created history on June 28 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, when she became the first Indian woman cricketer to score a century in all three formats of international cricket—Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals. Her remarkable innings came in the first T20I against England, where she played a dominant knock of 112 runs off just 62 balls. Batting with a phenomenal strike rate of 180.65, Mandhana’s innings was decorated with 15 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. Her incredible performance not only helped India to post a massive total but also made her the fifth woman in the world—and the first from India and Asia—to register centuries in all three formats of the game.

Before Mandhana, this rare feat was achieved only by a few elite women cricketers: England's Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, and Australia’s Beth Mooney. By joining this distinguished list, Mandhana has further cemented her status as one of the modern greats in women’s cricket. Her consistency across formats and her ability to adapt her playing style according to the demands of the game highlight her class and dedication to the sport.

During her sensational knock against England, Mandhana formed two crucial partnerships that laid the foundation for India’s massive total. First, she added 77 runs with Shefali Verma for the opening wicket, giving India a flying start. Then, after Verma’s dismissal, she stitched together a 94-run stand with Harleen Deol for the second wicket. These partnerships ensured that the team maintained a steady run rate and capitalized on the momentum throughout the innings. Harleen Deol chipped in with an impressive 43 runs, while Shefali Verma added 20, contributing significantly to India’s final score of 210/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, the England team collapsed under pressure and were bundled out for just 113 runs in 14.5 overs, giving India a commanding 97-run victory. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only English batter who showed resistance, scoring a quick 66, but she lacked support from the other end. The Indian bowlers were relentless, executing their plans with precision. Shri Charani was the standout performer with the ball, taking four crucial wickets and breaking the backbone of England’s batting lineup.

Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav also played key roles with the ball, taking two wickets each and keeping the run flow in check. Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy picked up one wicket apiece, ensuring that the pressure remained on the hosts throughout their chase. It was a clinical all-round performance from India that underlined their growing dominance in women’s international cricket.

This win not only gave India a 1-0 lead in the T20I series but also showcased the team’s strength in both departments—batting and bowling. Smriti Mandhana’s historic century was undoubtedly the highlight of the match, and her record-breaking feat has been widely celebrated across the cricketing world. Her ability to deliver on the big stage once again proved why she is considered one of the finest batters in women’s cricket today.

With the T20 World Cup around the corner, such performances from senior players like Mandhana provide a significant morale boost to the Indian side. The team’s comprehensive victory against a strong English unit serves as a strong statement of intent. As India looks to build momentum ahead of major global tournaments, this victory and Mandhana’s achievement will be remembered as a defining moment in their journey.