Smriti smashing records at will in UK
MUMBAI: With the 2018 Women’s WT20 in West Indies a few months away, the form of opener Smriti Mandhana is an encouraging sign for the India team.
Mandhana, the first India cricketer to feature in the Women’s Cricket Super League (WCSL) in England, has lit up the competition in a way that has never been witnessed before. Not only her string of big scores has helped Western Storm to impressive wins, Mandhana has also shattered records.
Mandhana on Sunday became the first player to aggregate 300 runs in the history of the tournament. She achieved the feat with a masterful 56 off 36 balls against Yorkshire Diamonds, studded with five fours and three sixes.
So far, Mandhana has amassed 338 runs in six matches at an average of 84.50, including a century and two half-centuries. Her imperious form has resulted in Western Storm winning five out of their last six matches.
Ever since she arrived in England, Mandhana has notched scores of 48, 37, 52*, 43*, 102 and 56. Against Lancashire Thunder, she smacked the only century scored in the season so far --102 off 61 balls which included 12 fours and four sixes. She is also the second India woman after Mithali Raj to score a T20 hundred.
Apart from the T20 league in England, Smriti has also played for Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Mandhana was one of India’s top performers in the ICC Women’s World Cup in England last year. She began the tournament with a splendid 90 against the hosts and scored her first World Cup century against West Indies in the next game. India reached the final before losing to eventual champions England.