Smriti Mandhana slams fifty vs Sri Lanka. (Courtesy: AP)

Mandhana returns to form, becomes 3rd Indian to 500 runs in Women's T20 World Cup

Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Smriti Mandhana roared back to form with a blistering fifty against Sri Lanka. She also became the third Indian to score 500-plus runs in the tournament history.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Smriti Mandhana slams 27th T20I fifty in Group A match vs Sri Lanka
  • She departs after scoring 50 due to a mix-up with Shafali Verma
  • Mandhana and Shefali share a 98-run opening stand

Smriti Mandhana roared back to form with a blistering fifty in the Group A match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 between India and Sri Lanka. Mandhana completed her 27th T20I fifty in 36 balls at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 9. The star India batter stepped up at a crucial time for India in an all-important clash against Sri Lanka. Mandhana also became the 3rd Indian to go past 500 runs in Women's T20 World Cup history. The legendary Mithali Raj has 726 runs and Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur boasts 620 runs.

After India opted to bat first, Shafali and Mandhana provided a steady start with the former taking the aggressive route. Mandhana took a more cautious approach in the start and, despite this, India managed their best powerplay in the tournament. The Indian vice-captain broke-free with a maximum in the last ball of the 7th over. This was also the first six for India at this T20 World Cup.

Mandhana-Shafali provide strong start

Shafali and Mandhana completed their 20th fifty-plus runs partnership in WT20Is, which is the most for any wicket. The Indian pair equalled Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney's record, who have also shared fifty-plus run stands 20 times in the format. Mandhana started dominating the Sri Lankan bowlers and completed her fifty in style with a boundary against Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu in the 13th over.

However, she was run-out on the very next delivery amid an indecision between the two batters. Smriti was late to react to a possible single as the fielder fumbled. The throw came in at the non-strikers end, and she was caught short of her crease.