Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana has achieved a new career high, moving up to No. 3 in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings after a scintillating century against England in the first T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. It is her personal best ranking in the shortest version of the game.
A Historic Knock at Trent Bridge
Mandhana illuminated the series-opener with a stunning 112 off a mere 62 deliveries – her first T20 International century. She hit 15 fours and three sixes, displaying her trademark timing and poise blended with aggressive attitude.
In the process, she became the first Indian female to make centuries in all three formats of cricket – Tests, ODIs, and T20Is being part of an elite group in world cricket. The knock also created a new record for Indian women’s cricket, eclipsing Harmanpreet Kaur’s earlier mark of 103 to become the top individual Indian female score in T20Is.
Her powerful innings assisted India in putting up a formidable total of 210/5, paving the way for a memorable victory.
A Rise in the Rankings
The show didn’t only propel India to a series-leading start – it also earned Mandhana individual accolades in the form of a boost in the ICC T20I rankings. She is currently the No. 3-ranked batter with a career-high 771 rating points, only 23 points shy of Australia top-ranked batter Beth Mooney.
Mandhana is already ranked No. 1 in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, which reflects her consistent excellence across formats.
Shafali Verma and Harleen Deol Also on the Move
It was not Mandhana alone who was storming the rankings. Opening partner Shafali Verma, even in a modest performance, jumped a spot to No. 13 in T20I batters. Meanwhile, Harleen Deol, who impressed with a blazing 43, entered the ICC rankings again and is currently ranked at No. 86.
With Mandhana at the forefront and emerging talents such as Verma and Deol coming forward, India’s women’s team appears stronger and better-balanced in the T20 format.
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