Smriti Mandhana Hits Fastest Fifty for India Women in T20Is

Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in records after scoring the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in women’s T20I cricket. The left-hander achieved the feat against England Women during the third match of the ongoing women’s T20I tri-series at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The 21-year-old reached the milestone in 25 balls. She was eventually dismissed on an individual score of 76 off 40 balls. Interestingly, she bettered her own 30-ball record she had set a few days ago against Australia.

Sophie Devine of New Zealand holds the record of fattest fifty in Women’s T20Is. In 2015, she registered the half-century off just 18 balls against India.

Thanks to Mandhana’s 76, India Women managed to post a total of 198/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Apart from her, Mithali Raj also chipped with a half-century. The right-hander scored 43-ball 43. Pooja Vastrakar provided her team with a much-needed impetus towards the end with an unbeaten 10-ball 22 runs.

Despite posting such a huge total, Indian bowlers failed to defend it. England opener Danielle Wyatt smashed a century to help her side chase down the target with seven wickets in hand. Wyatt was dismissed in the 17th over, but by then she made sure her team was in a conformable position.

Wyatt scored 124 off just 64 balls before being removed by Deepti Sharma. The right-hander decorated her knock with 15 fours and five sixes.

Meanwhile, this was India’s second consecutive defeat in the tri-series as they are lagging at the bottom of the points table. On March 22, India lost to Australia Women by six wickets. They now face Australia again on March 26 in a must-win game.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2018 05:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).