Smriti Mandhana finally smashed her first-ever T20I century—and behind that iconic knock was a friendly nudge from teammate Radha Yadav that lit a fire in her.Smriti Mandhana Reveals How Radha Yadav’s Teasing Sparked Her Maiden T20I Century
After repeatedly missing out on triple digits in the T20 format, Mandhana revealed that Radha cheekily confronted her before the England series, saying, “Smriti di, you’re always stuck at 70s and 80s. When will we see that hundred?”
Mandhana, with a confident smile, had replied, “I’ll get it this series, Radha.”
True to her word, she delivered. In the first T20I against England, Smriti unleashed a masterclass in timing and aggression, smashing 112 runs off just 62 balls. After reaching her century in the 18th over, she took off her helmet, turned to Radha, pointed, and shouted with pride:
“See, I got it today!”
🏏 A Historic Century for Indian Women’s Cricket
- Smriti became only the second Indian woman to score a century in T20 Internationals.
- She also joined an elite group of just five women cricketers worldwide to score centuries across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, joining the likes of Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight.
- Adding to the glory, she was leading the side in Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence, making it a proud moment both personally and professionally.
💬 Mandhana’s Post-Match Words
In the post-match presentation, Mandhana credited her teammates for their constant belief and highlighted how Radha’s playful remark gave her that extra push.
“I’ve had a few 70s and 80s in T20Is, so I really wanted this one. When I got to the hundred, the first thing that came to mind was Radha’s words.”
🔥 Team India’s Dominance
India didn’t just win—they dominated. Along with Mandhana’s stunning knock, debutant spinner Shreyanka Patil also shined with 4 wickets, helping India secure a massive 97-run victory.
Mandhana praised the bowlers, saying:
“They were fantastic. Our bowlers made the job easier and ensured we controlled the game from both ends.”
Smriti Mandhana’s Maiden T20I Century: A Friendly Challenge Turned Historic Knock
India’s elegant left-hander, Smriti Mandhana, finally checked off a long-awaited milestone—her maiden T20I century. But what made the moment even sweeter was that it wasn’t just skill or form—it was fueled by a playful, motivating remark from her teammate Radha Yadav.
Let’s rewind to how a simple conversation turned into an iconic sporting moment.
💬 The Tease That Lit the Spark
During a training session ahead of the T20I series against England, Radha Yadav jokingly called out Mandhana for her “habit” of falling short of triple digits in T20s.
“You always get to 70 or 80 and then throw your wicket. Come on now, score that hundred!”
Smriti smiled and calmly replied:
“Okay, Radha. I’ll do it this series. Watch me.”
That casual conversation stuck with her. And true to her word, when she reached the century mark during the 1st T20I, she pointed towards the dressing room, smiled, and proudly shouted:
“See! I got it today!”
That moment wasn’t just about a personal record—it was about delivering on a promise, with heart.
🌟 A Knock to Remember: 112 off 62
Mandhana’s innings was a mix of grace and power. Her strokeplay left England clueless as she tore through their bowling lineup at a strike rate of 180+.
- Runs: 112
- Balls: 62
- 4s: 12
- 6s: 5
- Strike Rate: 180+
This was the second-highest individual score for India Women in T20Is, and it helped India post a daunting 197/3 in 20 overs.
🧠 The Mindset Shift
In the post-match presentation, Mandhana revealed that Radha’s comment had genuinely stuck with her. She admitted that while she had scored in the 70s and 80s multiple times, she had started to feel a block when nearing three figures.
“That comment stayed in my head. I didn’t want to let it slip again. I’m glad I kept my focus.”
🎯 The Milestone’s Significance
Mandhana’s century placed her in an elite club:
- Second Indian Woman after Harmanpreet Kaur to score a T20I hundred.
- Fifth woman in history to score centuries across all three formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, joining legends like:
- Heather Knight (England)
- Tammy Beaumont (England)
- Beth Mooney (Australia)
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
🏆 India’s Commanding Victory
While Mandhana’s century grabbed the headlines, the match also featured some sensational performances:
- Shreyanka Patil, on debut, picked up 4 wickets, showing incredible control and variety.
- India’s bowlers kept England to just 130 runs, sealing a massive 97-run win.
Mandhana praised her teammates:
“Our bowlers were on point. Credit to Shreyanka and others for keeping the pressure. It made my effort worthwhile.”
👑 Captaincy Under Pressure
With regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur unavailable, Mandhana took charge. The added pressure of captaincy didn’t deter her; in fact, it seemed to elevate her game.
Her calm leadership, aggressive field placements, and of course, her own batting led the team to a clinical performance.
🙌 A Victory Beyond Stats
Sometimes cricket isn’t just about runs and wickets. It’s about the moments—and this match had one of those unforgettable ones.
A light-hearted taunt from Radha Yadav turned into a personal mission for Mandhana. That playful spark created history, and now their banter is etched in Indian cricket folklore.
It also highlights the deep camaraderie in the Indian women’s team—where teammates push each other, inspire each other, and most importantly, believe in each other.
🔚 Final Words
Smriti Mandhana’s 112* wasn’t just a century—it was a statement. It was about silencing doubts, conquering mental blocks, leading from the front, and proving once again why she’s one of the finest batters in the women’s game.
And all it took was one cheeky challenge from Radha Yadav.