Smriti Pandhana nos Top 3 Off Off Twers

It was a dream first match for Smriti Mandhana, in the IND vs ENG T20I series, where he not only scored her maiden century in the format, but also became the first Indian to smash tons in all formats of the game. The 28-year-old had blasted 112 runs from just 62 deliveries, that have resulted her in rising to the No. 3 spot in the format, in the latest ICC rankings.

Smriti Mandhana Toys with England, Scores 112

Mandhana is also the current World No. 1 in ODIs, and after her stupendous efforts a couple of days back, she has once again imposed her authority as the best batter in the country. “It’s a nice feeling because this format is something which, for me as a batter, I need to keep pushing and keep improving. It’s not a very natural format for me,” Mandhana had said after her effort.

“I like to time the ball; (I’m) not a big hitter of the ball and, for the last six years, it’s always (been) a work in progress and it’s still a work in progress. So, to actually get a hundred in this format, getting it before in Test cricket and one-day cricket which are more suited to my batting, but getting it in this format is pretty special because it’s not one of my strengths,” she added.

Shafali Verma Also Gains in Rankings

That said, Smriti Mandhana has 771 rating point now, and is behind West Indian Hayley Matthews (774) and Beth Mooney (794). On the other hand, Shafali Verma, who scored 20, also made some gains in her comeback match. And so did Harleen Deol, who smashed 43 from just 23.

“Fellow Indian opener Shafali Verma gains one place to move to 13th on the same rankings list following her innings of 20 in the same match against England, while teammate Harleen Deol re-enters the batter rankings in equal 86th after a quickfire knock of 43,” the ICC said in its release.