Stars Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma Shatter Record in Debut T20I against England
Indian cricket fans erupted in joy on June 28, 2025, as Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma scripted history during the first T20I against England Women at Trent Bridge. Not only did they secure a monumental win, but their incredible partnership also etched their names in the record books.
Shattering the World Record: A 21 Fifty-Plus Stand
Mandhana and Verma's opening stand of 77 runs took their partnership tally in women's T20 Internationals to an unrivaled 21 fifty-plus partnerships. This broke the record previously held by Australia's powerhouse duo, Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, who boasted 20 such partnerships[2][3][4].
Their unyielding bond at the top of the order has been the cornerstone of India's recent T20 success, and this record-shattering performance further solidifies them as one of the deadliest opening combinations globally.
Mandhana Unleashes Her Maiden T20I Century
Mandhana's performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The dexterous left-hander smashed her maiden T20I century, amassing 112 runs off 62 balls, featuring 14 fours and 3 sixes. Remarkably, she became the first Indian woman to achieve centuries in all three formats – Tests, ODIs, and T20Is[1].
Her innings encapsulated a flawless blend of grace and ferocity, leaving the English bowling attack reeling and setting the stage for a formidable total for India.
Dominance Across the Board
With Mandhana's brilliance and Verma's solid start, India posted an imposing 210/5, the second-highest total in women's T20I history. England struggled to keep up, eventually crumbling to 113 in a 97-run thumping – their heaviest defeat ever in women's T20 Internationals.
Bolstering India's Triumph: Shree Charani's Impressive Debut
Not to be outdone, debutant Shree Charani contributed heavily to India's dominance, bagging 4 wickets for only 12 runs. Her breathtaking spell, which broke the backbone of England's batting, sealed India's largest-ever win over England in T20Is[2].
What Happens Next?
India now holds a 1-0 lead in the series, with the next T20I set in Bristol. England faces an uphill battle to bounce back, while India aims to maintain their momentum and wrap up the series.
[1] Mandhana becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all formats: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/115871/smriti-mandhana-first-indian-woman-to-score-100s-in-all-international-formats[2] Australia's duo, Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, previously held the record for most fifty-plus partnerships: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/32089423/australias-alyssa-healy-beth-mooney-tie-world-record-most-50-stands-womens-t20is[3] Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma's 77-run opening partnership in the first match: https://www.cricbuzz.com/live/cricket-match/41368/england-women-vs-india-women-1st-t20i-from-trent-bridge-nottingham[4] Record for the most fifty-plus partnerships in women's T20 Internationals: https://www.espncricinfo.com/database/record/309987/most-50-run-stands-in-women-s-t20is
Sports enthusiasts worldwide are celebrating as Mandhana and Verma, India's prolific opening duo, shattered the world record for the most fifty-plus partnerships in women's T20 Internationals.
In a remarkable display of teamwork, their unyielding bond resulted in a staggering 21 fifty-plus partnerships, surpassing the previous record held by Australia's Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney.
