Smriti Mandhana’s sublime century and debutant Shree Charani’s sensational four-wicket haul powered India to a thumping 97-run win over England in the opening T20I of the five-match series.
Mandhana made history by becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats, finishing with a dazzling 112 off just 62 deliveries -- her maiden T20I ton. Her innings was laced with 15 fours and three sixes, and anchored India’s imposing total of 210/ 5, their highest against England in the format.
The southpaw dominated the innings alongside Harleen Deol (43 off 28), with the duo adding a rapid 94-run stand that dismantled England’s bowling plans. England’s fielders failed to back their bowlers, dropping two chances offered by Mandhana and conceding crucial runs through misfields.
In reply, England never recovered from a disastrous start. They lost both openers, Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, in the first two overs. The middle order was rocked by the 20-year-old Charani, who returned remarkable figures of 4-12 on debut, showing great control and maturity. Her spell ensured England’s chase never got going.
The English skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt offered lone resistance with a valiant 66 off 42 balls, but with no support at the other end, England were bundled out for 113 in 14.5 overs. Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma also chipped in with wickets to complete a near-perfect outing for India.
The 97-run margin is India’s biggest T20I win against England and the hosts’ worst defeat in this format.
