Trent Bridge, Nottingham – June 28, 2025:
India Women’s cricket team kicked off their five-match T20I series against England in stunning fashion, registering a massive 97-run victory in the first T20I at Trent Bridge. The star of the evening was opener Smriti Mandhana, who smashed a career-best 112 runs off just 62 deliveries, setting the tone for India’s dominance.
This victory gives India Women a 1-0 lead in the series and sets a strong foundation ahead of the remaining matches.
Mandhana Magic Lights Up Trent Bridge
After losing the toss and being put in to bat first, India Women came out with intent. Smriti Mandhana, already one of the most celebrated batters in women’s cricket, looked in sublime touch from the start. Her innings was a perfect blend of grace and aggression — featuring 15 boundaries and 4 sixes.
She built a crucial 94-run partnership with Harleen Deol (43 off 23), taking the game away from England in the middle overs. Mandhana’s century came in just 58 balls, marking one of the fastest centuries in Indian women’s T20I history and her maiden T20I hundred.
Despite a slow start from Shafali Verma (20 off 22), India’s middle order powered through, with the team ending on a formidable 210/5 in 20 overs, their second-highest total in women’s T20Is.
England Crumble Under Pressure
In reply, England Women never looked comfortable chasing such a mammoth target. While Nat Sciver-Brunt fought a lone battle with a resilient 66 off 42 balls, none of the other batters could support her.
Debutant Charani Nallapureddy was the surprise package for India, making an immediate impact with her smart variations. The 21-year-old pacer from Andhra Pradesh picked up 4 wickets for just 12 runs in 3.5 overs, dismantling England’s lower middle order with sharp inswingers and cutters.
Spinners Radha Yadav (2/15) and Deepti Sharma (2/32) also kept the English batters in check, building dot-ball pressure and forcing false shots.
Eventually, England were bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs, conceding a huge defeat in front of their home crowd.
What Made the Difference?
- Mandhana’s early assault: Her timing and intent ensured England were always on the back foot.
- India’s strong spin attack: Radha and Deepti didn’t allow England’s batters to rotate strike.
- Charani’s dream debut: The young pacer’s fearless bowling was a major game-changer.
- Fielding intensity: India’s athleticism on the field prevented at least 15-20 extra runs.
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana
There was no contest for the Player of the Match award. Smriti Mandhana’s match-winning knock of 112 (62) was not just technically sound but also emotionally charged. She became the first Indian woman to score a T20I century outside Asia, making it a historic occasion.
Charani Nallapureddy – India’s New Star?
Charani, who came into the squad after impressing in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League, made a memorable international debut. Her figures of 4/12 were the best by an Indian on T20I debut, and she showed remarkable control and temperament under pressure.
With this win, India Women now lead the 5-match series 1-0, and the second T20I is scheduled to be played at Headingley, Leeds on July 1, 2025. England will need to regroup quickly and address their bowling concerns, while India will look to carry forward the momentum.
Final Score Summary:
India Women: 210/5 (20 overs)
- Smriti Mandhana 112 (62)
- Harleen Deol 43 (23)
- Lauren Bell 3/27 (4)
England Women: 113 all out (14.5 overs)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt 66 (42)
- Charani Nallapureddy 4/12 (3.5)
- Radha Yadav 2/15 (2)
Result: India Women won by 97 runs
Series Status: India Women lead 1-0
