Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma Create World Record During IND vs ENG 2nd T20I At Bristol

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma created history on Tuesday, July 1, to become the most successful batting pair in Women’s T20 Internationals. The historic moment came during the second T20I match against England at the County Ground in Bristol.

Both Mandhana and Shafali have been prolific for India over the years and have tormented several bowling attacks on the way. Their attacking nature and the left-right combination has often troubled the opposition teams on various occasions.

What is Smriti Mandhana Shafali Verma World Record?

Mandhana and Shafali have now scored 2,727 runs together in Women’s T20Is. They have achieved this feat in just 79 innings. Australia's opening pair of Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy have scored 2,720 runs in 84 innings so far. They have now been pushed to the second spot on this list. The Smriti Mandhana-Shafali Verma Record is a big achievement for Indian women’s cricket. The pair has played a key role at the top of the order for many years now. They crossed the record previously set by Australia’s Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy.

This was not the first time that this duo has made headlines. On June 28, in the first T20I against England, they broke another record. They registered their 21st fifty-plus stand in that match, which is the most by any pair in Women’s T20Is. They went past Healy and Mooney’s tally of 20 such partnerships. In that match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, they added 77 runs for the first wicket. It helped India make a strong start to the series.

Best Opening Pairs in Women T20 Cricket

The pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma leads this list with the most runs. However, Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney aren't much behind. The experienced pair of Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine is third on this list, while the surprise package is the presence of two UAE's opening pairs, who are third and fourth on this list, respectively.

Not a Great Match For Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma

Despite the record, the Indian pair did not shine in the IND vs ENG 2nd T20I at Bristol. Mandhana and Shafali could score only 14 runs together. The stand lasted just 10 balls. Shafali was dismissed early by England’s fast bowler Lauren Filer after she scored only 3 runs off 4 balls. It was an important early wicket for England.

In the first T20I, Shafali Verma had looked good even though she couldn't score big. She scored 20 runs and helped to build a solid partnership. However, in Bristol, she could not repeat her performance and was dismissed cheaply.

Mandhana and Shafali have been key players for India in recent years. Their strong understanding and attacking style have troubled many teams. Both batters are still young and have many matches ahead to add more runs to their tally. Indian team fans will be thrilled to see them break more records.
Even though they could not score big in the second match, their partnership remains special.

The team will hope they bounce back in the next game. The five-match T20I series against England is still alive. With three matches left, there is plenty to look forward to. The visitors have already taken a lead in the series with a 2-0 win. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have already made history and will look to lead India to a series win, with a victory in the upcoming 3rd T20I on July 4 in London.