Script History Smriti Mandhana becomes the first ever batsman between men’s and women’s T20Is to…

Smriti Mandhana (BCCI photo) India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana added another milestone to her glittering career during the Women’s World T20 clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday. The left-hander became the first player in the men’s and women’s T20 international teams to hit 600 fours, achieving the landmark while leading India’s batting attack.Mandhana continued her rich run of form with a fluent 74 off 47 balls to register her second consecutive fifty-plus score in the tournament. She found an able partner in Shafali Verma, who smashed 55 off 38 deliveries to register her maiden half-century of the competition.The opening pair dominated the Dutch attack and put together a 115-run partnership off just 70 balls after Netherlands opted to bat first. India raced to 59 runs in the powerplay, with Shafali going the aggressive route while Mandhana shifted gears after limitations in the field.

The openers laid the groundwork

The Dutch bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batting, forcing captain Babette de Leede to rotate the bowlers frequently. Shafali punished anything loose and produced some eye-catching shots, while Mandhana was at her elegant best, using her legs effectively against both pace and spin.The experienced opener continued to accelerate in the middle overs and hit four consecutive boundaries during the 15th over which was passed by the Silver Siegers.

India set a World Cup record overall

With the departure of two starters, Jemimah Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur failed to provide the required finish. However, late cameos by Richa Ghosh, who smashed 20 off just eight balls, and Deepti Sharma, who smashed 10 runs off two deliveries, ensured India maintained the momentum.India eventually finished on 209/5, their highest total in Women’s T20 World Cup history.The Indian team made two changes to the playing eleven, bringing in Yastika Bhatia in place of Bharti Fulmali and giving Nandani Sharma an opportunity ahead of Arundhati Reddy. Mandhana’s record-breaking knock and explosive opening stand gave India a commanding lead in the competition.