Smriti Mandhana Top 3 Innings That Shines Despite Loss
Smriti Mandhana stands prominently among the finest batters in women’s cricket worldwide. Her continuous growth has solidified her role as a pillar in India’s batting lineup. She’s displayed remarkable performances not just for India, but also for other teams she’s represented. Currently, Mandhana shines in the Women’s Hundred tournament in England as part of the Southern Brave squad. She opened with a significant 55 against Trent Rockets, followed by an outstanding unbeaten 70 against Welsh Fire. Despite her elegant innings featuring 11 boundaries, her team’s loss overshadowed her brilliance. Here, we highlight three of Mandhana’s top innings that unfortunately concluded in defeat.
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76 vs England (Mumbai, 2018)
During a T20 International encounter against England in 2018, the Brabourne Stadium witnessed Smriti Mandhana’s dynamic performance. India, taking the lead in batting, set a formidable total of 198 runs. Mandhana’s remarkable innings played a pivotal role, accumulating 76 runs through an impressive combination of 12 boundaries and 2 sixes. Her partnership of 129 runs for the opening wicket set a strong foundation for India’s innings. Despite Mandhana’s efforts, India faced disappointment as England managed to chase down the target with 8 balls remaining, led by a superb century from Danni Wyatt. Wyatt’s stellar display yielded 124 runs from 64 deliveries, showcasing exceptional batting prowess.
86 vs New Zealand (Hamilton, 2019)
During a T20 clash between India and New Zealand in 2019, the Kiwis established a target of 162 runs for the Indian team. This total was bolstered by Sophie Devine’s commendable innings of 72 runs. Amy Satterthwaite and Suzie Bates also made significant contributions to the New Zealand scorecard. In an unexpected turn, Smriti Mandhana’s dazzling shots took New Zealand by surprise, despite receiving limited support from her fellow batters. Mandhana’s impressive display resulted in a score of 86 runs from 62 balls, highlighted by 12 boundaries and a solitary six. Unfortunately, India fell short of victory by a mere 2 runs, as the remaining batters struggled to accelerate, overshadowing Mandhana’s fluent knock in a disappointing loss.
114* vs Melbourne Renegades (BBL, 2021)
During a Women’s Big Bash encounter representing Sydney Thunder, Smriti Mandhana delivered an exceptional century during a pursuit of 176 runs. Her outstanding performance featured 14 boundaries and 3 sixes, collaborating in an undefeated 125-run partnership with Tahlia Wilson. This remarkable feat came to the rescue after an early setback with the loss of two wickets, in what was a challenging chase. The awe-inspiring innings transpired at Harrup Park in Mackay, setting a new record.
Despite Mandhana’s impressive score of 114, her efforts were in vain due to underperforming fellow batters. Wilson, contributing 38 runs, took 39 deliveries, ultimately costing the Thunder the game. Despite the defeat, the Renegades emerged victorious by a narrow margin of four runs. Mandhana’s outstanding solo display earned her the Player of the Match title, showcasing her exceptional prowess.
