On June 28th at Nottingham, Smriti Mandhana made history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a century in a T20 International. Her unbeaten knock of 112 runs wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a defining moment for women’s cricket in India. With this achievement, she has raised the bar and brought the spotlight firmly back onto the incredible talent in the women’s game.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her game-changing innings, her inspiring journey, and how this performance is setting the stage for a powerful new chapter in Indian cricket.
A Game-Changing Performance on a Big Stage
In a format known for its intensity and pace, delivering a century is no small feat. Yet, Smriti Mandhana remained composed under pressure. Facing a strong England side, she anchored the innings when India was losing wickets and led her team into a dominant position.
Key Stats from the Match:
- Runs Scored: 112* off 62 balls
- Strike Rate: 156+
- Boundaries: 15 fours, 3 sixes
- Match Impact: Carried the team and turned the tide
Every shot was calculated, every move confident. Her performance showcased not only her technical skill but also her leadership and temperament.
The Journey Behind the Century
Long before she reached global fame, Smriti Mandhana was a young girl from Sangli, Maharashtra, with big dreams. Inspired by her brother, she picked up a cricket bat at just 9 years old — and the rest is history.
From scoring a double century in domestic cricket as a teenager to becoming a mainstay in the national side, her journey is the perfect blend of talent, dedication, and resilience.
Career Milestones:
- Domestic Breakthrough: Double century at age 15
- International Success: Match-winner across formats
- Style: Left-handed opener known for elegant aggression
Why This Century Matters Beyond Numbers
This T20 century is more than just a statistic. It symbolizes a major shift in how women’s cricket is perceived in India. Smriti Mandhana’s achievement is already encouraging countless young girls to pick up a bat and believe in their potential.
Why It’s a Big Deal:
- Boosts Visibility: Women’s cricket gets deserved attention
- Inspires Youth: Girls across the country see a role model
- Breaks Barriers: Shows what’s possible with opportunity and support
- Pushes Equality: Demands more investment and respect for the women’s game
A Step Toward Dominance Across All Formats
With this T20 century added to her record, Smriti Mandhana edges closer to becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries across all formats. Her highest scores show her capability in every version of the game.
| Format | Highest Score | Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 127 | 1 |
| ODI | 135 | 5 |
| T20I | 112* | 1 |
She is already one of the few female cricketers in the world with this level of consistency, and the best may be yet to come.
Legacy Beyond the Runs
Smriti Mandhana has become more than just a cricketer — she’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets determination. Her success is being celebrated not only by cricket fans but also by every Indian who believes in equal opportunities in sports.
Her record-breaking innings isn’t just for the scoreboard. It’s for every young girl who dreams of wearing the Indian jersey, for every coach who sees potential in their female players, and for a nation that’s finally beginning to treat women’s cricket with the respect it deserves.
Conclusion: A Century That Sparked a Movement
When Smriti Mandhana raised her bat after that incredible century, it was a moment of personal triumph and national pride. But more importantly, it was a symbol of change — proof that Indian women’s cricket is ready to lead, inspire, and break every barrier in its way.
This isn’t just the end of a great innings. It’s the start of something even greater.
