Smriti Mandhana created history on Wednesday after she scored a 24-ball half-century, fastest by an Indian in women’s cricket, during the first T20I against New Zealand at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
She was eventually dismissed by Amelia Kerr for 58 runs when India were 102 for two, 58 runs away from the target. However, India lost the T20I series-opener by 23 runs.
Mandhana smashed three fours and seven sixes in her entertaining 34-ball knock.
The overall list of fastest fifties in Women’s T20Is is led by New Zealand’s Sophie Devine who had reached the landmark in just 18 balls. The achievement, incidentally, had come against India back in 2005 in Bengaluru. A total of 4 players sit between Devine and Mandhana, with the latter presently occupying sixth spot in the standings.
Mandhana was also the top scorer in the three-match ODI series against the White Ferns in which she scored 196 runs in three innings. She also won the Player of the Series award for her performance.
Earlier, Sophie Devine hit 62 and captain Amy Satterthwaite scored 33 as New Zealand posted a total of 159/4 in their quota of 20 overs.
Four of the five Indian bowlers who bowled on the day picked up a wicket each.
