The last group-stage match between RCB and Mumbai Indians is underway at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. The inaugural champions won the toss and asked the Smriti Mandhana-led team to bat first. This match is somewhat one-sided, as RCB has already been eliminated from the tournament, while MI has secured a spot in the playoffs.
Smriti Mandhana Disappointed After Getting Out
Even though the match holds no real significance, a win is crucial for Mumbai Indians. A victory would allow them to overtake Delhi Capitals at the top of the table and secure a direct spot in the final.
Speaking of the ongoing match, RCB, having nothing to lose, played with a fearless approach. Smriti Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana put together a 41-run opening partnership.
Mandhana scored an outstanding 53 off 37 balls, including six fours and three sixes, in a spectacular batting display. . She was dismissed on the fifth ball of the 12th over when Shabnim Ismail made no mistake near the boundary rope, and Amelia Kerr took the catch to send her back to the pavilion.
Earlier in the same over, Mandhana got a lifeline when Sakshi dropped an easy catch. However, Sakshi injured herself in the process and had to leave the field. Unfortunately, Mandhana couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity and failed to convert her half-century into a big score. She was visibly disappointed after getting out and expressed her frustration while walking back to the pavilion.
A – Age & Early Life : Smriti Mandhana was born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, but she was raised in Sangli, a small town in Maharashtra. She was up in a cricket-loving household and became passionate about the game after watching her brother and father play.
B – Batting Style : Smriti is a left-handed opening batter, known for her stylish drives and fearless approach at the crease. She is entertaining to watch because of her timing, technique, and gap-finding skills.
C – Childhood & Inspiration : Her biggest inspiration was her elder brother, Shravan Mandhana, who played cricket at the district level. She was inspired to take up the sport seriously after seeing him practice.
D – Debut for India : ODI Debut: April 10, 2013, vs Bangladesh
T20I Debut: April 5, 2013, vs Bangladesh
Test Debut: August 13, 2014, vs England
E – Education : Smriti completed her schooling in Sangli but later focused entirely on cricket, balancing academics and sports in her early years.
F – Family Support : Her family played a huge role in her success. Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, managed her cricket affairs, while her mother, Smita Mandhana, handled her diet and daily routine.
G – Glamour in Cricket : Besides her cricketing talent, Smriti is admired for her charming personality and down-to-earth nature. She is among the most marketable female cricket players in the world because she has modeled for several brands.
H – Highest Scores : ODI: 135 vs South Africa (2018)
T20I: 87 vs Ireland (2018)
Test: 127 vs Australia (2021)
I – ICC Awards & Achievements : ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year: 2018
ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year: 2018
Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 2019
First Indian woman to score a century in a pink-ball Test (2021)
J – Journey in WPL (Women’s Premier League) : Smriti was the costliest player in the first-ever WPL auction, bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹3.4 crore in 2023. She is the team’s captain and still plays a vital role in the league.
K – Knocking Records : She holds several records, including being the youngest Indian woman to score an ODI century and fastest Indian woman to score 3,000 ODI runs.
L – Love for Cricket : Her dedication to the game is unmatched. Smriti has often mentioned that she watches old cricket videos and learns from legendary players like Sourav Ganguly and Matthew Hayden.
M – Milestones & Memorable Innings : One of her most memorable knocks was her 127-run innings against Australia in the 2021 pink-ball Test, making her the first Indian woman to score a century in a day-night Test.
N – Nickname : Smriti is often called “Smriti Di” by her fans and younger cricketers. She is also known as the “Queen of Cover Drives” because of her flawless shoots.
O – Overseas Leagues : She has played in various T20 leagues worldwide, including:
Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) – Brisbane Heat
Kia Super League – Western Storm
The Hundred – Southern Brave
P – Personal Life : Smriti is a private person who prefers to keep her personal life away from the limelight. Her relationships with her family and friends are solid.
Q – Quotes by Smriti Mandhana : One of her most famous quotes:
“If people love watching me play, that’s the biggest motivation for me to keep improving every day.”
R – Role Model for Youngsters : She has inspired countless young girls to take up cricket. Her accomplishments have contributed to the dismantling of gender stereotypes in Indian sports.
S – Social Media Presence : Smriti is active on Instagram and Twitter, where she shares glimpses of her cricketing journey, workouts, and fun moments with teammates.
T – T20 World Cup Heroics : She has played a crucial role for India in T20 World Cups, consistently performing in big matches.
U – Unforgettable Moment : Winning the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018) was a career-defining moment for her, cementing her place among the world’s best.
V – Versatility in Formats : Smriti has adapted to all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s—effortlessly, proving her versatility.
W – World Cup Journey : She was a key player in India’s 2017 Women’s World Cup campaign, where the team reached the final. The tone for India’s championship performance was established by her 90-run thump against England in the first game.
X – X-Factor Player : Her aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowlers make her an X-factor player in any team.
Y – Youngest to Achieve Feats : She became the youngest Indian woman to score an ODI century abroad at just 19 years old.
Z – Zeal for Success : Smriti Mandhana’s passion for the game, combined with her humility and dedication, makes her one of the most loved and respected cricketers in the world. Her performances continue to inspire millions and push boundaries.
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