Smriti blasts India to top spot

In front of a crowd of almost 5,000, Western Storm’s Smriti Mandhana smashed a career-best 83 to help India record a memorable win over tournament favourites Australia.

It was only India’s fourth ever win against the Aussies in T20Is.

Smriti’s first T20I fifty in 14 innings could not have come at a better time as it helped India to a 48-run win. The left-hander produced a chanceless and sparkling knock, one that helped India to their highest ever total against Australia. In the process, she also brought up her 1000^th T20I run.

Vice-captain Mandhana combined with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and the two senior batters set the pace, scoring 68 off just 42 balls together, with Harmanpreet scoring 43 of those. The pair hit five fours and three sixes while at the crease, and despite no other batter getting into double figures, the eventual total of 167 for eight proved enough.

Australia had a less than explosive start, and were restricted to 39 for two in the Powerplay, after which wickets fell regularly. Only Ellyse Perry, who also took three wickets, was able to convert her start into a substantial score. However,she was left stranded on 39 not out, as the lower order collapsed around her.

The Indian spinners shared all nine wickets, four of those caught by Veda Krishnamurthy in the deep.

World T20 Images courtesy of Getty Images