Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma etched their names in cricketing history on June 28, delivering a record-breaking performance during the first T20I against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The Indian opening pair stitched together a commanding 77-run partnership for the first wicket, outclassing previous records in women’s T20 internationals.
Opting to bowl first, England’s skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt saw her decision quickly challenged as Mandhana and Verma came out all guns blazing. Their stand marked the 21st fifty-plus partnership, making them the most successful pair in women’s T20I history—surpassing Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, who had held the previous record with 20 such partnerships.
In 78 innings together, Mandhana and Verma have now amassed 2713 runs at an average of 36.17, including three centuries and fifteen fifties—a testament to their consistency and synergy at the top.
Mandhana began with a signature cover drive off Lauren Bell and followed up with two more boundaries in the next over. Verma, making a comeback to the national side after eight months, opened her account against Lauren Filer and displayed composure, even overturning a caught-behind decision using DRS after the ball had struck her helmet.
The Indian openers intensified the attack as the innings progressed. Mandhana brought up the 50-run partnership in just 37 balls and punished Sophie Ecclestone with a six and a four in a high-yield over that cost England 19 runs—Ecclestone’s most expensive over in T20Is.
Mandhana continued her onslaught, reaching her 31st T20I half-century off 27 balls with a stylish cut through point. However, Shafali Verma’s innings ended on 20 (22 balls), caught by Ecclestone at mid-off.
Their performance not only gave India a strong start but also added a historic chapter to women’s cricket, reaffirming the duo’s legacy as one of the most formidable partnerships in the modern game.
