Smriti Mandhana’s sparkling century has thrown England off balance. And now, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur possibly returning, India could smell another big win in the second T20I on Tuesday night.
The 97-run drubbing in the series opener wasn’t just comprehensive—it was a warning. If England don’t regroup fast, this three-match series could slip through their fingers before they even blink.
Mandhana’s Magical Knock Sets the Bar High
Smriti Mandhana didn’t just bat. She lit up Nottingham with a show that felt like a statement—loud and clear.
India’s swashbuckling left-hander reached her maiden T20I hundred, peppering all parts of the ground and leaving England’s bowlers clueless. There were cuts, pulls, lofted drives, and that signature wristy flick that’s as good as any postcard shot in cricket. She finished with 102 off just 64 balls. And it wasn’t just stylish—it was brutal.
The timing of her knock? Couldn’t have been better.
It came after a bit of a layoff for her and on a big stage against a top-tier side. England, chasing 211, buckled under the scoreboard pressure. They were all out for 113 in just 16.2 overs.
Harmanpreet’s Return Could Spell More Trouble for England
India won without their captain. Think about that for a second.
Harmanpreet Kaur, who took a hit during a warm-up clash, was rested for the series opener. The team said it was precautionary. Now, with her likely return in the second match, England’s bowlers have another massive headache.
She’s not just a power-hitter. She’s a calming presence and a match-winner—especially in crunch moments.
India’s batting already looks settled, and her inclusion might shift Deepti Sharma back down the order, which strengthens the finishing unit.
If Harman is back, the batting card would look something like this:
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smriti Mandhana | Opener |
| 2 | Shafali Verma | Opener |
| 3 | Jemimah Rodrigues | Middle-order |
| 4 | Harmanpreet Kaur (C) | Power-hitter/Anchor |
| 5 | Richa Ghosh (wk) | Finisher |
| 6 | Deepti Sharma | All-rounder |
That’s a solid top-six, with power, flair, and depth.
England’s Collapse Raised Eyebrows
There’s no sugar-coating it—England folded.
Chasing a mammoth 210, they never looked in control. Opener Sophia Dunkley fell early, and the rest followed in a domino-like collapse. Only two batters crossed 20.
Is it pressure? Or just poor planning?
India’s spinners choked runs early, led by Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.
The pace attack, even without Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh, looked sharp.
England’s middle-order simply didn’t adapt.
And let’s be honest—if your top four don’t fire in a 200+ chase, you’re in trouble. India made sure the pressure never lifted.
India’s Bench Strength Quietly Impressive
No Renuka. No Pooja. Still a thumping win?
That’s probably the biggest hidden story from game one. Two of India’s best pacers were out injured, but the replacements didn’t just fill in—they delivered.
Left-armer Anjali Sarvani bowled tight lines. Titas Sadhu showed why she’s being talked about as the next big thing in Indian women’s pace bowling.
And it wasn’t just about the bowling. The fielding was on point. No sloppy misfields, and the energy never dropped. That speaks volumes about the bench depth.
Also worth noting—this is happening without much fuss. No drama. Just execution.
Why This Series Matters More Than You Think
So, it’s just a bilateral T20I series? Not quite.
This series might not offer points or trophies, but it offers something bigger—preparation. The T20 World Cup is in England next year. Every match here is a dress rehearsal.
For players like Shafali, Richa, and Sadhu, this is their chance to play on English soil, understand the conditions, and get comfortable with the bounce and swing.
For England, too, the losses could sting in the long run. They’re supposed to know these conditions better. But if they can’t solve Mandhana and India’s spin puzzle, it could haunt them next year.
Tuesday Night: High Stakes in Hove
The second match is at Hove, with the first ball scheduled for 11:00pm IST.
Weather is expected to hold up. Conditions could be a bit breezy, helping seamers early on. Toss might play a role—chasing under lights in coastal England isn’t always a treat.
There’s buzz that England might shake things up. Maybe bring back Issy Wong? Or tweak the middle-order?
India, on the other hand, would love to seal the series then and there.
Let’s put it this way—England are cornered. And India? They’re striding in with confidence, form, and firepower.
