Smriti Mandhana outshines Mithali Raj with spectacular 77 in IND-W vs WI-W 3rd T20I

New Delhi: The India women’s cricket team emerged victorious with a 60-run win over the West Indies in the third T20I match of their series at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. India put up a commanding total of 217/4 after batting first, led by captain Smriti Mandhana's brilliant knock of 77 runs off 47 balls, supported by Richa Ghosh's explosive 54 runs off just 21 balls. With this win, India clinched the series 2-1. Mandhana was honored with the Player of the Series award, while Ghosh received the Player of the Match accolade for her standout performance.

Smriti Mandhana Breaks Mithali Raj Record:
Smriti Mandhana also surpassed the remarkable record set by former Indian captain Mithali Raj. Mandhana accumulated 193 runs in the three-match series against the West Indies, marking the highest total by an Indian women’s batter since February 2018. She also set a new record for the most runs by an Indian batter in any women’s T20I bilateral series. The previous record was held by Mithali Raj, who scored 192 runs from five matches against South Africa.

The India women’s national cricket team had a rough start, losing opener Uma Chetry for a duck. However, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues combined for a 98-run partnership for the second wicket, with Rodrigues scoring 39 runs from 28 balls and Raghvi Bist adding 31 runs. Richa Ghosh then unleashed a powerful half-century, propelling the hosts to a strong total in the first innings. In response, the West Indies struggled to build any momentum, losing wickets consistently, which led to a 60-run defeat.