In a spectacular display of batting firepower, the Indian women's cricket team posted their highest-ever total in Twenty20 Internationals, amassing a mammoth 221 for 2 against Sri Lanka in the fourth match of the series on Sunday. The historic innings was powered by a dominant opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma at the Greenfield International Stadium.
Record-Breaking Opening Stand Sets the Stage
After being asked to bat first for the first time in the five-match series, India's openers took charge from the outset. Smriti Mandhana scored a brilliant 80, while Shafali Verma smashed 79 off just 46 balls. The duo put together a monumental 162-run partnership for the first wicket in 15.2 overs, which is now the highest partnership for any wicket for India in women's T20Is.
This was the fourth time the pair has crossed the 100-run mark together, and they surpassed their previous best stand of 143, which came against the West Indies in Gros Islet back in 2019. Their approach was marked by exquisite placement and timing, finding gaps consistently on both sides of the wicket rather than relying solely on brute power.
Milestones and a Fiery Finish
The innings was laden with personal milestones. During her knock, Smriti Mandhana achieved a significant feat, becoming only the fourth batter in women's cricket history to complete 10,000 international runs across all formats. She joins an elite club featuring India's Mithali Raj, New Zealand's Suzie Bates, and England's Charlotte Edwards.
Shafali Verma continued her red-hot form in the series, registering her third consecutive half-century. She narrowly missed out on her maiden T20I century, falling in the 16th over after a return catch to bowler Nimasha Meepage. Her innings was studded with 12 boundaries and one six.
After the openers departed, the momentum was sustained by a blistering cameo from Richa Ghosh. She remained unbeaten on a whirlwind 40 runs from a mere 16 deliveries. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided able support with a quickfire 16 not out from nine balls. The pair added an unbroken 53 runs for the third wicket, propelling India past the 200-run mark with ease.
A Statement of Intent
This commanding performance served as a strong statement from the Indian team. Mandhana, who had a relatively quiet series by her high standards until this match, looked completely at ease at the crease, hitting three sixes on the leg side. The innings showcased the team's formidable batting depth and aggressive intent.
The record total of 221 for 2 now stands as the new benchmark for the Indian women's T20I team, highlighting their evolving prowess in the shortest format of the game. The dominant display with the bat has put them in a commanding position in the series.
