Smriti Mandhana Targets Greater T20I Heights After Maiden Century: “Still a Work in Progress”

Smriti Mandhana Eyes Growth After Maiden T20I Century: “Still a Work in Progress.”

Smriti Mandhana believes her T20I batting is still evolving, despite notching her maiden century in the shortest format on Saturday, June 28. The elegant left-hander smashed a blistering 112 off 62 balls—marking the fifth-fastest century in women’s T20Is—and powered India to a commanding 97-run win over England.

With this feat, Mandhana became only the second Indian woman to score a T20I hundred.

Speaking after the game, Mandhana admitted that T20 cricket doesn’t come naturally to her, as she is more of a stroke-maker than a power-hitter.

“It’s a nice feeling because this format is something where I constantly need to push myself and improve,” Mandhana told the ICC. “It’s not a natural format for me. I like timing the ball, I’m not a big hitter. For the last six years, it’s been a work in progress—and it still is.”

While she already has centuries in both Tests and ODIs, Mandhana said this milestone felt especially significant because of the effort she has put into adapting her game to the demands of T20s.

“To get a hundred in this format is pretty special. It’s not one of my strengths, but I’ve been working hard on power-hitting. Seeing that come together in a match feels really rewarding.”

Captaincy Not a Distraction
Mandhana also stepped in as India’s captain for the match, with regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rested as a precaution. However, she insisted that the leadership role didn’t influence her approach with the bat.

“As a batter, it doesn’t change much. You don’t think differently just because you’re captaining,” she said. “Once you have the bat in hand, your job is to deliver for the team, regardless of the role.”

India will face England in the second T20I of the series on July 1.