India record their highest-ever total in women’s T20I cricket history
In a thrilling display of batting prowess, the Indian women’s cricket team made history on Sunday by recording their highest-ever total in women’s T20I cricket. The team put up a staggering total of 221/2, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma leading the charge. This remarkable feat was achieved during the 4th T20I against Sri Lanka, with India’s previous highest women’s T20I total being 217/4, recorded against West Indies on December 19, 2024.
The Indian team’s impressive performance was largely due to the exceptional batting skills of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The opening duo got off to a flying start, with Mandhana scoring 80 runs off 48 balls and Verma scoring 79 runs off 46 balls. Their partnership laid the foundation for India’s massive total, with the team’s middle order contributing to the impressive score.
Mandhana’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, with the left-handed opener hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes during her stay at the crease. Verma, on the other hand, was equally impressive, smashing 10 fours and 2 sixes to help India get off to a blistering start. The opening partnership between Mandhana and Verma was worth 156 runs, setting the tone for India’s record-breaking total.
The Indian team’s middle order, including players like Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur, also made significant contributions to the total. Rodrigues scored 34 runs off 22 balls, while Kaur chipped in with 27 runs off 15 balls. The middle order’s aggressive batting ensured that India’s momentum was maintained throughout the innings.
India’s record-breaking total is a testament to the team’s growing strength and depth in women’s T20I cricket. The team has been working hard to improve their batting skills, and the results are evident in their recent performances. With a strong batting line-up and a well-balanced team, India is poised to become a dominant force in women’s cricket.
The Indian team’s achievement is also a reflection of the growing popularity of women’s cricket in the country. The sport has been gaining traction in recent years, with more and more young girls taking up the game. The Indian team’s success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of cricketers, paving the way for a brighter future for women’s cricket in India.
The 4th T20I between India and Sri Lanka was a one-sided affair, with India’s massive total proving too much for the Sri Lankan team to handle. The Sri Lankan team struggled to keep up with India’s scoring rate, eventually falling short of the target.
In conclusion, India’s record-breaking total in women’s T20I cricket is a remarkable achievement that highlights the team’s growing strength and depth. The exceptional batting skills of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, combined with the contributions of the middle order, made it possible for India to achieve their highest-ever total in women’s T20I cricket. As the team continues to work hard and improve their skills, we can expect to see more impressive performances from them in the future.
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