In the illustrious realm of women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana has emerged as a trailblazer, rewriting records and etching her name in the annals of the sport’s history. A cricketing virtuoso, Mandhana’s journey is defined by an unparalleled string of achievements that have elevated her to the zenith of the game.
At the forefront of her accolades is the distinction of being the second cricketer, alongside Australia’s Ellyse Perry, to clinch the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award twice. This coveted recognition speaks volumes about Mandhana’s consistent brilliance and unparalleled contributions to the sport.
Mandhana’s prowess isn’t confined to accolades alone; she holds the joint-fastest T20 50 in women’s cricket, a feat she shares with New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, accomplished in a mere 18 balls. In the realm of T20 internationals, Mandhana’s bat wields unparalleled speed, marking her as the fastest Indian woman to achieve a half-century in just 23 balls.
Her remarkable achievements extend beyond the shortest format. Mandhana is the third Indian woman to breach the 2,000-run mark in T20 internationals, a testament to her consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. In the 50-over format, she joined an elite group of only five Indian batters to surpass 2,000 runs, further solidifying her status as a cricketing luminary.
A milestone that underscores Mandhana’s proficiency is her unprecedented run of ten consecutive 50-plus scores while chasing in ODI cricket. This exceptional feat exemplifies her match-winning prowess and resilience in critical situations.
Mandhana’s international journey has been punctuated with historic moments. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to score a double century in 50-over cricket, achieving this milestone against Gujarat with an unbeaten 224 off just 150 balls. Her bat, initially a showpiece gifted by Rahul Dravid, became the instrument of this historic innings.
In the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL), Mandhana emerged as the highest-priced player, commanding a staggering INR 3.4 crores. This auction triumph is a testament to her value and standing in the cricketing landscape.
Her recent exploits at the T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa added another chapter to her storied career. Mandhana recorded her highest T20 score with a match-winning 87 against Ireland, navigating challenging conditions with finesse.
As the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, Mandhana played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. These triumphs on the global stage underscore her leadership qualities and ability to deliver when it matters most.
In the relentless pursuit of excellence, Smriti Mandhana has not only become a torchbearer for Indian women’s cricket but a global icon whose achievements resonate far beyond the boundary. Her journey continues to inspire aspiring cricketers and redefine the benchmarks of success in women’s cricket.