Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana’s 143-run partnership for the first wicket against the West Indies at Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Saint Lucia, on 9 November 2019, was a remarkable performance in women’s T20I cricket.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana dominated the West Indies bowlers right from the start. They put up a 143-run opening stand, which was an exceptional display of aggression and consistency. It was a record-breaking stand in women’s T20I cricket, providing India with a solid foundation for a high total.
Shafali Verma: The young opening batter played a blistering knock, scoring 73 runs from 49 balls. Her innings included several boundaries and showcased her power-hitting ability. Verma’s aggressive approach allowed the team to accelerate from the very beginning.
Smriti Mandhana: Mandhana, known for her elegant stroke play, was equally impressive. She made 67 runs from 52 balls, providing stability to the innings. Mandhana’s timing and placement were key to building the partnership.
The partnership between Shafali and Mandhana played a significant role in helping India post a total of 185/4 in their 20 overs. Their 143-run stand was crucial in setting a competitive target for the West Indies.
Despite the solid opening stand, the West Indies could not chase down India’s target, and India won the match comfortably.
The performance of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana not only secured India a commanding total but also highlighted the strength of their opening pair. The partnership set a new benchmark for partnerships in women’s T20 cricket, displaying India’s emerging depth in batting.
This stand was significant because it showcased the evolution of women’s cricket in India, with both openers being among the most dynamic and feared in T20 cricket. Shafali Verma, in particular, became one of the youngest to make a mark in such partnerships on the international stage.
This 143-run partnership was among the highest opening partnerships in women’s T20I cricket at the time, and it also served to emphasize the growing dominance of Indian women cricketers in the global arena, particularly in T20 formats. The duo’s combined firepower was one of the highlights of the series, setting the stage for further success for India.
