India Women Set New T20I Record with Stellar Opening Partnership

The Indian Women's cricket team has made history by scoring their highest-ever total in T20I cricket, reaching 221 runs against Sri Lanka. The opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma played a pivotal role, forming a record-breaking 162-run partnership. This achievement not only highlights their batting prowess but also positions them among the most successful opening pairs in women's T20I history. With impressive statistics backing their performance, the duo continues to set new benchmarks in the sport. Discover more about their remarkable journey and contributions to women's cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 10:12 IST

Historic Performance in T20I Cricket

In a remarkable display of batting, the Indian Women's cricket team achieved their highest-ever total in T20I history, scoring 221 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets during the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday.

The opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma showcased their prowess, forming a formidable 162-run partnership. This record-breaking collaboration is now the highest for India Women in T20Is, surpassing their previous record of 143 runs set against the West Indies in 2019. From the outset, both players exhibited aggressive batting, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot. Mandhana scored 80 runs off 48 balls, hitting eleven fours and three sixes, while Verma contributed 79 runs off 46 deliveries, including twelve boundaries and one six. This innings not only demonstrated India's batting strength but also solidified Mandhana and Shafali's status as a leading opening duo in women's T20I cricket.

Statistical Highlights of the Opening Pair

The partnership between Mandhana and Shafali further cements their reputation as one of the most effective opening pairs in women's T20I cricket. With this latest performance, they have achieved four partnerships of over 100 runs, placing them joint-third on the all-time list. The only pairs ahead of them are UAE's Esha Oza and Theertha Satish, who have six such stands, and Australia's Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, who also have four.

Their consistency is reflected in their overall partnership statistics, as they now lead the chart for the most runs scored together in Women's T20Is, amassing a total of 3107 runs. Following them are Australia's Healy and Mooney with 2720 runs, UAE's Oza and Satish with 2579 runs, and New Zealand's Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine with 2556 runs.

In terms of sustained success, Mandhana and Shafali also hold the record for the most partnerships of 50 runs or more in Women's T20Is, having achieved this milestone 24 times. They are well ahead of Healy and Mooney, who have 20, and Bates and Devine, who have 18.