India’s highest team total of 198/4 in a T20I match was achieved against England during the Tri-Nation Women’s T20I Series in March 2018. The match took place at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
India set an imposing total of 198/4 in their allotted 20 overs. The performance was a collective effort from the batting lineup, but some standout performances included aggressive strokes and strategic partnerships.
Smriti Mandhana, one of India’s leading players, played a match-defining knock. She contributed 52 runs from 41 balls, anchoring the innings with a balance of aggression and placement.
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain) also had an impactful knock, scoring 43 runs off 28 balls, adding stability and providing the finishing touches to the innings.
Mithali Raj and Deepti Sharma made useful contributions, with Raj scoring a quick-fire 30 and Sharma finishing with 23 runs, pushing the total past 190.
The Indian team built some excellent partnerships throughout the innings, with the opening stand being particularly strong. They consistently found boundaries, with Mandhana and Kaur especially being able to rotate strike and hit the big shots when required.
India came out with a positive approach, with Mandhana and the others playing aggressive shots right from the beginning. The pitch at Brabourne supported the batters, and the openers capitalized on this, putting pressure on the England bowlers.
Kaur’s leadership and attacking batting were crucial in ensuring India set a mammoth target. Her quick scoring towards the end of the innings was key in taking India past the 190-mark.
In addition to hitting the boundaries, India’s efficient running between the wickets added pressure on the fielding side, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Despite the massive total, England fought hard but were unable to chase down the required target. India’s bowlers, particularly the spin department, provided excellent support. The English women could not match the required run rate and were ultimately bowled out, handing India a comprehensive victory.
The total of 198/4 remains India’s highest ever team total in women’s T20I cricket at the time. It set a new benchmark for their batting strength in the T20 format and was a major milestone in Indian women’s cricket.
This performance exemplified India’s depth in batting and their ability to set high targets. The total was not only a personal milestone for several players but also demonstrated India’s rising status as a force in women’s international T20 cricket.
India’s dominant display in this match reinforced their standing as a competitive team in the global T20 landscape, particularly with the presence of key players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Mithali Raj, who were central to the team’s success.
This match, with its explosive total, added to India’s growing reputation in women’s cricket and solidified their strong presence on the world stage in the shortest format of the game.
