Mandhana scripts another record, smashes fastest T20I fifty for India
Indian women's cricket team opening batswoman, Smriti Mandhana is enjoying the form of her life. Mandhana, who was instrumental for the Indian eves in the ODI series victory against New Zealand, was among the runs in the first T20I as well. She smashed the fastest fifty in T20Is for Indian eves, although that wasn't enough to seal victory in the end. Here is more.
Mandhana notches fifty in just 24 balls
Mandhana broke her own record to hit the fastest fifty in T20Is for India. She reached the milestone against New Zealand in just 24 balls. This helped her to go past the previous record of 25 deliveries, which she had set against England in Mumbai last year. She hit seven fours and three sixes in the first T20I against the Kiwis on Wednesday.
India lose nine wickets for 34 runs to surrender match
Mandhana (58) slammed her seventh career T20I fifty. Batting first, New Zealand eves amassed 159/4 after a sublime 48-ball 62 from Sophie Devine. Katey Martins (27* off 14) helped them to maximize at the death. In reply, India were going strong at one stage. But once Mandhana got dismissed, India had a collapse. They lost nine wickets for 34 runs to surrender the game.
A fine exhibition by Kiwi bowlers see India lose
Kiwi pacer Lea Tahuhu (3/20), spinners Leigh Kasperek (2/25) and Amelia Kerr (2/28) were exceptional in the match. New Zealand grabbed on to the chances they were offered and pulled off a sensational 23-run victory. Hannah Rowe's catch to dismiss Mandhana was the turning point.
Mithali Raj dropped from XI once again
Mithali Raj was left out of the Indian starting XI yet again in this format. India were playing a T20I for the first time since the semi-final of the Women's World Twenty20. Mithali's India collapsed from 102/1 to be dismissed for 136 on Wednesday and missed the composure of Mithali. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur defended her decision though.
'We are looking to give chance to the young girls'
"We are looking to give chance to the young girls. We only have these 3 overseas games and then we are playing more in Indian conditions. That's the reason we are giving chances to the young girls," Kaur said after India's loss.
