India’s opener Smriti Mandhana hit a half-century off just 18 balls in a Kia Super League (KSL) match, equalling the women’s T20 world record set by New Zealand’s Sophie Devine.
Mandhana has been in excellent form for Western Storm in the ongoing KSL, scoring 48 and 37 in the first two matches for her side, but went one better on 29 July, by going berserk against the Loughborough Lighting bowlers in a rain-affected match.
Mandhana, who became the first Indian to play in England’s premier women’s domestic T20 tournament, slammed five fours and four sixes to remain unbeaten at 52 off just 19 balls, as her side Storm amassed a total of 85 runs at the loss of two wickets.
The fastest fifty in Kia Super League history!! Take a bow @mandhana_smriti!!#StormTroopers pic.twitter.com/KVjcEyOQIW
— Western Storm (@_WesternStorm) July 29, 2018
Coincidentally, Devine was also playing in the match for Loughborough and scored an unbeaten 46. But, she couldn’t avert a defeat for her side who fell short by 18 runs.
It wasn’t really surprising to see her artistry with the willow taking the social media by storm, but it was Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara who made Mandhana’s day.
Sangakkara, who was present at the ground where Mandhana recorded her feat, also took to Twitter and praised the Indian women cricketer.
“Watching @mandhana_smriti putting bowlers to the sword here at Taunton. She is brilliant to watch. Great ambassador and great skill,” his tweet read.
Watching @mandhana_smriti putting bowlers to the sword here at Taunton. She is brilliant to watch. Great ambassador and great skill
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 29, 2018
After impressing everyone on the field, Mandhana also gracefully endured the ‘fan moment’ when she got an opportunity to meet Sangakkara.
The Indian southpaw clicked a picture with her role model and then shared it on Instagram with the caption: “This just made my day. A big fangirl moment for me. Can’t express how glad and overwhelmed I am. This memory is going to stay with me forever”.
