Smriti Mandhana at 27: A Glance at the Star Opener’s Triumphs and Records

India’s prodigious cricketer, Smriti Mandhana, celebrates her 27th birthday today. Having debuted for the national team at a tender age of 16 in a match against Bangladesh back in 2013, Mandhana’s unwavering commitment and passion for the sport are evident as she prepares for the upcoming second ODI against Bangladesh, where she will be serving as the vice captain.

Throughout her illustrious career, the elegant opener has consistently showcased her remarkable talent, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world. Mandhana has donned the Indian jersey in 4 Test matches, 78 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and an impressive 119 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), displaying her versatility and adaptability across formats.

The turning point in her career came during the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, where she displayed exceptional batting prowess, taking India to the finals. Despite the valiant efforts of Mandhana and her teammates, India narrowly missed out on the World Cup title, succumbing to England by a mere 9 runs.

As the years have passed, Smriti Mandhana has emerged as a senior stalwart and an integral pillar of the Indian women’s cricket team. With her unwavering dedication and consistent performances, she has earned the respect and admiration of both her teammates and cricket enthusiasts around the world.

As Smriti Mandhana, the star opener of Indian women’s cricket, celebrates her 27th birthday, it is an opportune moment to reflect on her outstanding records and achievements. From her debut at the age of 16 to becoming an indispensable player in the squad, Mandhana’s journey has been nothing short of exceptional.

Smriti Mandhana’s exceptional achievements in T20 Internationals have solidified her position as one of India’s most prolific batters. In a testament to her talent and rapid progress, she accomplished several remarkable milestones, propelling her to the forefront of women’s cricket.

Third-Fastest Indian to Reach 1000 T20I Runs:

Smriti Mandhana’s ascent in T20Is was nothing short of remarkable. She became the third-quickest Indian woman cricketer to amass 1000 runs in the format, accomplishing this milestone in just 49 innings. Her ability to consistently score runs at a brisk pace showcases her prowess as an opening batter.

Tenth-Fastest in Women’s Cricket History:

Not only did Mandhana become one of the fastest Indian women to reach 1000 T20I runs, but she also etched her name among the top ten fastest batters in the history of women’s cricket to achieve this milestone. This feat attests to her extraordinary talent and impact on the global stage.

Record for Fastest T20I Fifty by an Indian:

In February 2019, Smriti Mandhana set the cricketing world ablaze with her explosive batting prowess. During a T20I match against New Zealand, she notched up a remarkable half-century in just 24 balls. This record-breaking achievement cemented her status as one of India’s most dynamic and aggressive batters.

Smriti Mandhana’s extraordinary batting prowess has etched her name in the annals of cricket history, and her feat of scoring ten consecutive fifty-plus scores while chasing in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is a testament to her consistency and class as a batter.

The remarkable run of ten consecutive fifty-plus scores while chasing commenced in 2018, during a match against Australia Women. Mandhana’s brilliant innings of 67 runs off 53 deliveries showcased her ability to excel under pressure and anchor the innings when chasing a target.

Smriti Mandhana’s exceptional performances and consistent brilliance in women’s cricket earned her the prestigious title of ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year twice, in both 2018 and 2021. These accolades are a testament to her outstanding contributions to the sport and the immense impact she has had on the global cricketing stage.

Smriti Mandhana’s Test debut proved to be a memorable and historic occasion for Indian women’s cricket. In a momentous match against England, she showcased her class and composure to notch up a half-century, contributing significantly to India’s historic Test victory.

In 2021, Smriti Mandhana and her opening partner Shafali Verma produced a breathtaking display of batting prowess during a Test match against England. Their remarkable partnership of 167 runs not only played a significant role in India’s performance but also etched its name in the history books as the fourth-highest opening partnership in the history of women’s Test cricket.

Smriti Mandhana’s outstanding performances in women’s cricket have garnered her numerous accolades and recognition on the international stage. One of the most prestigious awards she has received is the ‘Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award,’ which she has won twice. Alongside Australia’s Elyse Perry, she stands as one of only two players to achieve this remarkable feat, further solidifying her position as one of the finest cricketers in the world.