The star of Indian women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana turns 28 today on July 18. Making her international debut in 2013, Smriti quickly rose to prominence thanks to her effortless batting style and ability to perform in pressure situations. Smriti has accumulated several individual and team accolades in her 11-year-long career. The star batter has represented India in seven Tests, 85 ODIs and 136 T20Is, scoring over 7500 runs cumulatively. On her special day, let’s take a look at five of the most impressive feats in Smriti Mandhana’s career.
WPL 2024 triumph
Smriti Mandhana led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden Women’s Premier League (WPL) crown earlier this year in an epic final against the Delhi Capitals. Having recovered from a do-or-die situation in the group stage, Bengaluru beat Mumbai Indians in the playoff for a chance at the ultimate game. Playing a crucial 31-run knock in the final, Smriti led the Bengaluru side to an eight-wicket victory over back-to-back finalists Delhi.
Second cricketer to win two ICC Women’s Cricketer of The Year
Smriti Mandhana’s immaculate form in 2021 saw her notch the Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Award, popularly known as the ICC Women’s Cricketer of The Year Award, for the second time. She had previously won the award in 2018.
Smriti joined the company of Australian star Ellyse Perry in the elite club of cricketers to win this award twice. Recently, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt became the third female cricketer to achieve this feat with consecutive triumphs in 2022 and 2023.
First Indian women’s cricketer to score an ODI and Test ton in Australia
Smriti Mandhana recorded her maiden ODI century in 2016, smashing 102 runs in 109 balls against Australia in Hobart. Nearly five years later, Mandhana scored 127 runs from 216 balls in the historic Pink Ball Test in Australia. Her incredible haul included 22 boundaries and one six. Smriti’s ton in Gold Coast in 2021 also made her the first Indian female cricketer to record an ODI and Test century on Australian soil.
First cricketer to score 10 consecutive 50-plus scores while chasing in ODI cricket.
Over the years, Smriti Mandhana has also established herself as one of the most consistent women’s cricketers in the world. She was at a different level in 2021, notching 10 consecutive 50-plus scores in ODI cricket while chasing. She altered the record books after scoring her 18th half-century in the format in Lucknow against South Africa.
Asian Games 2023 Gold
India were led to a gold finish by Smriti Mandhana at the Asian Games held last year. She played a crucial 46-run knock in the final to help India put up 116 while batting first. Her individual tally made all the difference as India edged past Sri Lanka by 19 runs to win the gold medal in the women’s cricket event in Hangzhou, China.
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