How Did Smriti Mandhana Become the First Indian Woman to Score Tons Across All Formats?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mandhana's historic achievement highlights her versatility in cricket.
- She scored a remarkable 112 runs in the recent T20I match.
- Her journey reflects the growth of women's cricket in India.
- Mandhana continues to inspire young female athletes across the nation.
- Her records set new benchmarks for future cricketers.
Nottingham, June 28 (NationPress) Smriti Mandhana made history by scoring a century against England in the first T20I at Trent Bridge, marking her as the first Indian woman to hit a hundred across all three formats of cricket. She is also the second Indian woman to achieve a T20 ton, following the regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Her impressive knock of 112 runs off 62 balls, featuring 15 fours and 3 sixes, propelled India to a formidable total of 210/5 in their 20 overs, setting a record for their highest total against England in T20 Internationals. This century is Mandhana's 14th in her career, with 11 coming in ODIs and 2 in Tests.
With Harmanpreet Kaur being rested for precautionary reasons due to a head injury, vice-captain and left-handed opener Mandhana took charge of the team.
India also introduced left-arm spinner N. Shree Charani for her debut, while Sneh Rana made a return to the T20I squad after a two-year absence.
The 28-year-old Mandhana, originally from Mumbai, made her international debut in a T20 match against Bangladesh on April 5, 2013, at the tender age of 16. Her first international century was 102 runs from 109 balls against Australia during an ODI at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart in 2016. In 2021, she achieved her first Test century in a pink-ball match against Australia on the Gold Coast.
One-Day Internationals remain her most successful format. In the current year, she has already notched up four ODI centuries, setting a new record in women’s cricket, as no other batter has secured more than three tons in a single calendar year. Her accolades include being named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year and a spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year. Additionally, in June 2018, the BCCI recognized Mandhana as the Best International Cricketer at their awards ceremony.