Smriti Mandhana carved her name into cricketing folklore by becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket. In the first T20I against England at Trent Bridge, she smashed a sensational 112 off just 62 balls, making it her maiden T20I hundred. This is one more feather in Karthik’s cap and it makes her one of the best the game has seen in women’s cricket.. Her innings had 15 boundaries and three sixes in it, which also helped India post their best T20 total against England – 210 for 5 in 20 overs.

Mandhana, deputising as captain and batting upfront, hit a resolute half-century and played fearlessly. She began with a boundary off the first ball she faced and never held back, taking on the English bowlers with grace and belligerence. With titular captain Harmanpreet Kaur sitting out as a precautionary rest after a head injury, Mandhana couldn't have asked for a better chance to lead and excel. She also equaled Beth Mooney’s tally of most 50+ scores against England in T20Is, which is tantamount itself to a measure of her consistency against strong opponents.

 
All mandhana’s heroics weren’t just individual landmarks. With Shafali Verma she added another chapter to their burgeoning legend. They now have as many as 21 fifty-plus partnerships in women’s T20Is, more than any other pair, going past Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney. Add to that her ability to strike ball, Jaffer and she becomes a force to reckon with in the middle and a good captain under pressure.

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From Milestone to Masterclass: Smriti Mandhana’s Hundred Rewrites the History Books

Mandhana, 28, already has received what most hope for during their careers. She has passed centuries in Tests and ODIs and now T20Is to become the face of modern Indian women's cricket: fearless, relentless and uplifting. Her transformation from starry-eyed 19-year-old debutante in 2013 to global force is the result of years of determination and brilliance.

Even as India unearth new talent and nurture those ready for the next level, Mandhana continues to shine. She’s not just a bunch of runs; she’s an inspiration for a generation of girls  that anything is possible.