Smriti Mandhana Aims for Continued Success After T20I Century Against England
Mandhana's Stellar Performance
Stand-in captain of India, Smriti Mandhana, is eager for further achievements following her remarkable first T20I century during the opening match against England in Nottingham. Mandhana, stepping in for the injured Harmanpreet Kaur, showcased her leadership as India secured a commanding 97-run victory. She scored an impressive 112 runs off just 62 balls, helping India set a formidable total of 210/5 in their innings.
Pushing for Improvement
Despite her record-breaking performance, Mandhana acknowledged that T20 cricket does not come easily to her, as she prefers timing over sheer power. After experiencing the thrill of achieving a high score and setting records, the 28-year-old left-hander is determined to maintain her high-scoring form in future matches. "It's a wonderful feeling because this format is one where I need to keep pushing and improving. Timing the ball is my strength, and I’m not a natural power hitter. It's been a continuous journey for the last six years, and I’m still working on it," she stated, as reported by the ICC.
"Achieving a century in this format is particularly special for me, especially since I have previously scored centuries in Test and One Day formats, which align more with my batting style. The progress I’m making in power hitting is gratifying," she added.
Confidence in Young Talent
In the series opener, young talent Shafali Verma made her return to the Indian team after being dropped in late 2024. However, her comeback was not as stellar as she managed only 20 runs off 22 balls. Despite this, Mandhana expressed her confidence in Shafali's abilities. "I’ve observed Shafali's performance in the nets over the past week, and she has been hitting the ball exceptionally well. I believe a big score is just around the corner for her. Returning to the Indian team can bring its own set of nerves, but I’m sure this match will help her settle in," she remarked.
With a 1-0 lead in the series, India is set to aim for another victory in the upcoming match scheduled for Tuesday at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.