Smriti Mandhana equals two WT20I world records

Indian star Smriti Mandhana equaled two world records in WT20I format with her another half-century against West Indies Women on Tuesday night during the second game of the three-match WT20I series. 

In the absence of the skipper Harmanapreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana led the India Women's side in the second game of the home WT20I series, where the hosts were leading by 1-0. 

India lost the match despite Smriti Mandhana's 62 runs

After West Indies Women sent the hosts to bat first, India Women scored 159/9 in 20 overs. While the stand-in skipper Mandhana scored 62 runs off 41 runs (nine fours and one six), Richar Ghosh (32) was the only other batter to score 20+ runs in that innings. Four Caribbean bowlers picked up two wickets each: Deandra Dottin (2/14), Afy Fletcher (2/28), captain Hayley Matthews (2/36), and Chinelle Henry (2/37). 

In reply, the West Indies Women comfortably chased the target in 15.4 overs after losing only one wicket. While the skipper Hayley Matthews scored 85 not out off 47 balls with 17 fours, Qiana Joseph was dismissed just after the powerplay for 38 runs (22 balls; six fours and two sixes). While the opening partnership was for 66 runs, Matthews had a 94-run unbroken second-wicket partnership with Shemaine Campbelle. Campbelle was not out for 29 off 26 balls with the help of four fours.

Mandhana recorded joint-most WT20I half-centuries 

During that match, Mandhana scored her 29th half-century in her WT20I career. With that 50+ score, she equalled the record for most WT20I 50+ scores. New Zealand star Suzie Bates has recorded one century and 28 half-centuries in her WT20I career.

Mandhana equalled the most WT20I half-century record in a calendar year

It was also Mandhana’s seventh WT20I half-century in 2024. With her latest knock, she became the joint record holder for most WT20I 50+ scores in a calendar year. Previously, former Indian cricketer Mithali Raj recorded seven 50+ scores in 2018.

With 686 WT20I runs in 2024, Mandhana holds the record for most WT20I runs in a calendar year by an Indian. Meanwhile, in the list of overall most WT20I runs in a calendar year, Mandhana sits in fifth place, third most among the Full Members.