Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana matched Suzie Bates’s record for the most scores of 50 or more in T20 internationals after her impressive fifty against the West Indies in the second T20I.
Mandhana maintained her outstanding performance in T20 internationals with a score of 62 in the second T20I against the West Indies during their ongoing three-match series. This marked her 29th fifty in the format, achieved in her 141st inning, allowing her to share the record for the most 50+ scores with New Zealand’s Bates.
Entering the second T20I with a 1-0 series lead at the DY Patil Stadium, Mandhana took on the role of India’s stand-in captain due to Harmanpreet Kaur suffering a knee injury while batting in the first match, rendering her unavailable for the game.
The home team batted first, and Mandhana undertook the dual role of both captain and leading batsman.
Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Uma Chetry and Jemimah Rodrigues, Mandhana remained strong at the crease. The elegant left-hander played with both fluency and precision, stabilizing the innings during a critical phase.
Mandhana focused her counterattack particularly on the West Indies’ spin bowlers, crafting her innings with nine boundaries and one six. She formed a vital 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which came as a recovery after the early losses.
She brought up her 29th fifty off just 37 balls before being dismissed for 62 by Matthews, marking her second consecutive fifty in this series after scoring 54 in the first T20I. Her contributions led India to a total of 159, making her the top scorer for her team.
Although Mandhana’s performance shone brightly, it ended up being in vain as the West Indies successfully chased down the target, winning the match by nine wickets and leveling the series at one match apiece.
Image Source: Smriti Mandhana @ Instagram
