SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
Balram Sampla,
Geopolitics.
On a historic June 28th evening in 2025, Smriti Mandhana led India to a record-breaking victory over England.
England, playing at home, are always a formidable side, especially in the shorter format as have just defeated the West Indies team 3-0.
Smriti Mandhana, standing in as captain, brought a sense of calm and confidence to the Indian team. Harmanpreet Kaur brings aggressive edge but today was unable to take field.
A Masterclass in Batting
Batting first, Mandhana’s innings of 112 runs off just 62 balls was a perfect blend of elegance and aggression. She struck 15 boundaries and cleared the ropes three times, thrilling the crowd with her timing and placement. She batted with grace and elegance in a classical manner. She played cricketing shots not slog shots.
What made Mandhana’s century even more special was the way she built partnerships. She shared a 77-run stand with Shafali Verma, and then a crucial 94-run partnership with Harleen Deol, who contributed a brisk 43. These partnerships’ kept the scoreboard ticking.
India posted a total of 210 for 5, their highest T20I score outside India and the second-highest ever against England. England did well to restrict India to 210-5. The death bowling was well executed.
England’s Collapse and India’s Dominance
Chasing 211, England were under pressure from the outset. India’s bowlers struck early, removing opening batters early and never allowed England to settle. Only Nat Sciver-Brunt offered any resistance with a fighting 66, but the rest of the line-up crumbled. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh was brilliant behind the stumps. Shree Charani took 4 wickets on her debut. England were bowled out for just 113, suffering their heaviest T20I defeat by runs—a margin of 97.
A Historic Win
This victory was more than just a win, it was a statement. Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats, joining an elite club in world cricket.
The match at Trent Bridge will be remembered not just for the records broken, but for the way Mandhana led her team—with courage, skill, and a smile.
