Image Source: X
Smriti Mandhana showcased her batting brilliance in the third T20I against the West Indies, delivering a sensational performance that left the opposition in shambles. Leading the Indian side in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana took the captaincy responsibility in stride, and her explosive batting lit up the decider.
A Challenging Start for India
After winning the toss, West Indies elected to bowl first, and their decision seemed justified early on. Indian opener Uma Chetry fell in the opening over for a two-ball duck, caught at extra cover off an in-swinging delivery by CA Henry. At 0/1, India found themselves under pressure, but Smriti Mandhana had other plans.
Mandhana Takes Charge
Coming in at No. 3, Mandhana steadied the innings before launching an onslaught in the third over. Her intent was clear from the start. After settling with a few singles, she smashed a string of boundaries that set the tone for the innings.
The real fireworks began in the fourth over, bowled by Deandra Dottin, a marquee signing in the WPL auction for ₹1.7 crore. Facing Dottin, Mandhana unleashed a boundary blitz:
- Ball 1: Wide ball, giving Jemimah Rodrigues a single and putting Mandhana on strike.
- Ball 2: A full delivery towards the leg stump, dispatched past deep square leg for a four.
- Ball 3: A half-volley outside off stump, smashed over wide long-off for a massive six.
- Ball 4: Another full delivery, sent racing past mid-on for four.
- Ball 5: A short-pitched ball, elegantly lofted over backward point for another four.
By the end of the over, Mandhana had single-handedly plundered 20 runs, leaving the West Indies rattled and the scoreboard ticking at 40/1 in just four overs.
A Captain’s Knock Under Pressure
Mandhana’s innings wasn’t just about raw aggression; it was a masterclass in pacing and precision. With her team relying heavily on her after an early setback, she shouldered the responsibility with a combination of boundary-hitting prowess and strike rotation.
Her ability to dominate seasoned bowlers like Deandra Dottin and WI pacer CA Henry reflected her adaptability and readiness for high-pressure situations.
Key Takeaways from Mandhana’s Innings
- Handling Pressure: Mandhana’s innings came when India needed a strong foundation after an early wicket, demonstrating her maturity and leadership.
- Boundary Power: Her sequence of 4, 4, 4, 4, 6, 4, 4 against Dottin highlighted her ability to pick gaps and clear boundaries with ease.
- Captaincy Under Fire: Leading in Harmanpreet’s absence, Mandhana’s composed knock and on-field decisions showcased her leadership qualities.
WPL Star Dottin’s Nightmare Over
Deandra Dottin, one of the most expensive signings in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), endured a forgettable day as Mandhana dismantled her bowling in a single over. The 20-run assault not only tilted the momentum in India’s favor but also reaffirmed Mandhana’s status as one of the most destructive batters in modern cricket.
Looking Ahead: Mandhana’s Momentum
While Mandhana’s fiery knock wasn’t enough to secure a series win for India, her performance in the third T20I serves as a reminder of her incredible talent and the impact she can have on the game. With the WPL around the corner, fans can expect more fireworks from the Indian skipper as she continues to dominate bowlers across formats.
Smriti Mandhana’s ability to rise to the occasion, especially under the burden of captaincy, cements her place as a cornerstone of Indian cricket. Her innings in the third T20I will be remembered as one of the finest examples of batting brilliance in women’s cricket.
Conclusion
Mandhana’s incredible knock, punctuated by boundaries and leadership under pressure, was a fitting tribute to her growth as a player and captain. As Indian cricket moves forward, performances like these will serve as an inspiration for the next generation of cricketers.
As for Mandhana, her message was loud and clear: the best is yet to come.
