Mandhana's Maiden T20I Century: Star Credits Yadav's Pep Talk for Breakthrough Knock

Smriti Mandhana has revealed that a conversation with teammate Radha Yadav motivated her to achieve her first T20I century.

Smriti Mandhana scored her maiden T20I hundred in the first game against England © Getty

"Three days back, Radha Yadav and I were talking," Mandhana stated. "These girls can be quite tough on me. Radha told me, 'It's time you score a century in T20Is. You keep getting out in the 70s and 80s, and you're not doing justice to your talent.'"

Mandhana responded, "Okay, Radha, I'll try to get it in one of the matches this series."

Upon reaching the milestone, Mandhana became only the second Indian batter to score a century in Women's T20Is. She also joined an elite group of five female cricketers to have scored a century in each of the three international formats, including Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Laura Wolvaardt, and Beth Mooney.

Mandhana immediately acknowledged Yadav upon reaching the century, pointing at her from the pitch. This gesture, she explained, conveyed both joy and relief.

"I didn't expect it to happen in the first match, but the finger point was for her, as if to say, 'See, I got it today'," Mandhana explained. "It's frustrating to get out in the 70s and 80s repeatedly over the past decade, especially when you have the opportunity to guide the team through. I'm glad I could stay until the 19th and 20th over."

With Harmanpreet Kaur unavailable due to a late fitness concern, Mandhana stepped in as captain. She clarified that the added responsibility did not alter her batting approach.

"As a batter, it doesn't change much. You don't bat differently just because you're captaining," Mandhana said. "Whenever you have the bat in hand, you have to perform for the team, regardless of your position. I'm very happy I could contribute today."

She also described how the team prepared for the possibility of Harmanpreet's absence.

"Harman was assessed last night and this morning, with several scans to be done. We were 50-50 about her availability, so I discussed the plans with the bowlers. I was quite prepared last night, but the confirmation came today."

Under Mandhana's captaincy, India delivered a dominant performance, handing England their most significant T20I defeat. Shree Charani, in her debut international T20I match, impressed with a four-wicket haul.

"The bowlers' execution of the plan was simply amazing," Mandhana praised. "It makes our job much easier when they bowl like that. They were all focused and knew their plans."

"Especially Shree, coming into her first match and bowling like that. We saw glimpses of her potential in the WPL. She always looked like a good bowler, but her performance today was amazing, as was that of all the bowlers."