Mandhana's Blistering Century and Charani's Debut Heroics Power India to T20I Victory Over England

Smriti Mandhana's spectacular century, combined with Shree Charani's impressive bowling debut, powered India to a dominant win against England in the first Women's T20I on Saturday, June 28.

Mandhana scored 112 on Saturday (Courtesy: Reuters)

India's commanding performance resulted in England's heaviest defeat in Women's T20Is. Mandhana led the charge with a brilliant 112 runs, enabling India to set a formidable target of 210 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

England's batting lineup struggled to chase the target, with only Nat Sciver-Brunt offering substantial resistance. The Indian bowlers, led by Charani, dismantled the hosts, securing a massive victory. Charani finished with outstanding figures of four for 12 on her debut as England were bowled out for a mere 113 runs in 14.5 overs.

India Overcomes Harmanpreet's Absence

India faced a setback before the match as captain Harmanpreet Kaur was ruled out due to a head injury sustained during a warm-up game. This led to Mandhana stepping in as captain on a pitch that appeared ideal for batting.

England opted to bowl first, and Mandhana immediately took the initiative. While Shafali Verma struggled to find her rhythm at the other end, Mandhana scored 31 off 19 balls in the powerplay, contributing to India's 47 runs in the first six overs.

Mandhana's Aggressive Approach

The turning point arrived in the seventh over when Mandhana targeted Sophie Eccelstone, hitting her for two sixes and a boundary, resulting in 19 runs off the spinner's first over.

Mandhana soon reached her 31st T20I fifty. Shafali's dismissal brought Harleen Deol to the crease. Harleen seized the opportunity, displaying confidence with four boundaries, which allowed Mandhana to further accelerate.

A Century to Remember

A dropped catch by Wyatt-Hodge proved costly for England as Harleen and Mandhana capitalized, quickly establishing a fifty-run partnership.

Mandhana, who had been aiming for a century in this format, finally achieved the milestone, etching her name in the history books. She became only the second Indian batter to accomplish this feat.

The run rate soared, and Mandhana's elegant shots punctuated her innings. Two boundaries were enough for her to reach the coveted landmark.

Harleen's dismissal for a well-played 43 off 23 balls triggered a mini-collapse. Mandhana added a few more runs before being dismissed in the final over, but the damage had already been inflicted.

Charani Shines with the Ball

England's struggles stemmed not from the pitch conditions but from their approach to the chase. Despite a true batting surface, the English batters appeared rushed, failing to construct their innings effectively.

Sophia Dunkley fell early to Amanjot Kaur in the first over, and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge departed on the first ball of the second over, plunging the hosts into deep trouble. Sciver-Brunt stood out, scoring a notable 66, but received little support.

Deepti Sharma dismissed Beaumont, further denting England's hopes.

Charani claimed her first international wicket, removing Capsey and leaving England reeling at 71 for 5 in nine overs. Sciver-Brunt reached her fifty off 31 balls but found herself fighting a lone battle.

Charani then returned to dismiss Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell, sealing India's comprehensive victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

The next match will be held in Bristol on July 1.