Smriti Mandhana’s Century Powers India Women to Thumping 97-Run Win Over England in 1st T20I

Nottingham, June 28, 2025 — Smriti Mandhana – In a commanding performance that blended historic brilliance with bowling domination, India Women outclassed England Women by 97 runs in the 1st T20I at Trent Bridge, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

It was a night to remember for Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who etched her name in cricketing history by smashing her maiden T20I century — a scintillating 112 off 62 deliveries — becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

India’s decision to bat first paid off handsomely as they piled up 210/5, their second-highest total in Women’s T20Is. Mandhana, opening the innings with Shafali Verma, began watchfully but shifted gears with graceful aggression. Her innings included 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, and her hundred came off just 51 balls, making it one of the fastest by an Indian woman.

Smriti Mandhana shared a solid 77-run partnership with Verma (20), followed by a blazing 94-run stand with Harleen Deol, who contributed 43 off 23 balls with three sixes of her own. India’s acceleration in the middle overs left England’s bowlers visibly rattled, as only Sophie Ecclestone (1/35) managed to hold her nerve to some extent.

England’s reply never truly got going. Reeling from early blows, they lost both openers within seven balls and stumbled to 26/4 in the fifth over. Only Natalie Sciver-Brunt showed resistance, scoring a fluent 66 off 42 balls, but she found little support at the other end.

India’s newest sensation, Shree Charani, playing her debut match, dismantled England’s middle and lower order with figures of 4/12. Her spell included the key wickets of Bouchier, Dunkley, and Ecclestone. The hosts were bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs, handing India one of their biggest away wins in T20I history.

🏏 Key Performances:

• Smriti Mandhana – 112 (62)
• Harleen Deol – 43 (23)
• Shree Charani – 4/12 (3 overs)
• Natalie Sciver-Brunt – 66 (42)

📝 Post-Match Quotes:

“This hundred was special. T20 isn’t my strongest format, but I’ve worked on adding power to my game,” said Mandhana during the post-match presentation. “It feels great to contribute to a big team win.”

Debutant Charani said, “I was just focused on sticking to basics. The team backed me and I’m happy I could deliver.”

⚖️ ICC Penalty

The defeat got worse for England as the ICC penalized them for a slow over-rate, having fallen short by two overs. Each player was docked 10% of their match fee in accordance with ICC regulations.

📅 What’s Next?

The second T20I will be played on July 1 in Bristol, where England will look to regroup and bounce back. India, meanwhile, will aim to keep up their momentum and secure a 2-0 lead.

This thumping win by India not only boosts team confidence ahead of a packed calendar but also sets the tone for a promising generation of Indian women’s cricketers, with stars like Smriti Mandhana and Shree Charani leading the way.

Follow Bigg Sports News for more sports stories