Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana lit up Trent Bridge with a graceful maiden T20I century, guiding India to a commanding 97-run victory over England in the opening match of the five-match series on Saturday, June 28.
The game began with England Women winning the toss and choosing to bowl first against India, a decision that quickly backfired.
With Harmanpreet Kaur out injured, Mandhana took charge and delivered in style. She played a sensational knock, 112 off 62 balls, laced with 15 fours and 3 sixes. She batted deep into the final over and gave India the perfect start.
Mandhana was well supported by Harleen Deol, who smashed 43 off 23 as India posted 210 for 5, their second-highest T20I total.
England, despite Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 66, crumbled to 113 all out in under 15 overs.
Debutant left-arm spinner Shree Charani led the way for India with impressive figures of 4 for 12, as England’s innings fell apart quickly, losing half their side inside the first 10 overs with the score still below 100.
Sciver-Brunt fought a lone battle in England’s crumbling chase, made tougher after Alice Capsey gifted a catch to Arundhati Reddy off debutant Shree Charani. Em Arlott briefly countered with a six off Radha Yadav but was soon caught by Mandhana at cover.
Sciver-Brunt brought up her fifty in 31 balls with a classy shot over cover but fell soon after, edging Charani behind. The debutant wrapped things up by dismissing Lauren Bell.
