There is a lot to know about cricket journey of this young Indian prodigy. Today we take an insight into the life of Indian women’s national Player Smriti Mandhana who is making a name for herself. She first time came into limelight with a superb half-century and a magnificent century in the Women’s World Cup 2017. The left-handed opening batter is on a roll and has become an integral part of the team across all the format. Smriti comes from a cricketing loving family. Her father played district level cricket for Sangli, while her brother has represented Maharashtra at the under-16 level. Cricket has always e integral part of her life and that reflects in her game.
Smriti Mandhana became first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day game against Gujarat in 2013. She scored the double ton by the bat given to her by the Indian legend Rahul Dravid. Mandhana looks up to Sri Lankan legend, Kumara Sangakkara, and she often replicating his style of play, in the nets.
Mandhana has added another feather in her feather by becoming the second fastest Indian to score 2,000 runs in one-day internationals. The Star batswomen achieved this feat during the final ODI Vs West Indies which was held at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and India won the match by six wickets. She went on to score 74 runs and build a crucial partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, stitched a 141-run opening partnership as Indian chased down the 195-run target with ease as winning the three-match ODI series 2-1.
Smriti Mandhana hard work and constant perseverance to work on her game is a major reason that in 51 innings to reach the 2,000-ODI run mark becoming the third-fastest woman after Belinda Clark and Meg Lanning to achieve the landmark. As of date, she has scored 2,025 runs, which consists of four centuries and 17 fifties in ODI career. While Australia’s player Belinda Clark holds the record for being the fastest batswoman to score 2,000 ODI runs in 41 innings, followed by teammate Meg Lanning who took 45 innings to reach the milestone.
While Shikhar Dhawan is the only other Indian to hold the record score 2,000 runs in 50-overs cricket. He had reached the landmark in 48 innings. Retired South Africa batsman Hashim Amla holds the merit of being the fastest to 2,000-ODI runs. He had reached the groundbreaking feet in 40 innings.
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