Sat Jun 28 16:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:
**Mandhana Smashes Century, Powers India in T20 Series Opener Against England**
**Nottingham:** Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the record books on Saturday, blasting a sensational century in the first T20 International against England. The Indian captain reached the milestone in just 51 balls, marking her maiden T20I hundred and the second-fastest century by an Indian woman in the format.
Mandhana’s blistering innings was the cornerstone of India’s formidable batting display in Nottingham. Despite an initial slow start from Shafali Verma, Mandhana unleashed a flurry of boundaries, dismantling the English bowling attack. Her explosive partnership of 94 runs with Harleen Deol further solidified India’s dominance.
Prior to this match, Harmanpreet Kaur held the Indian record for the fastest T20I century, achieved in 49 balls against New Zealand in 2018. Mandhana’s feat places her second on that list.
The global record for the fastest women’s T20I century remains with Deandra Dottin of the West Indies, who reached the mark in a blistering 38 balls. Mandhana now jointly holds the fourth position globally for the fastest T20I century, alongside Meg Lanning.
This century also marks a historic achievement for Mandhana, making her the first Indian woman to score a century in all three formats of international cricket. She already boasts two centuries in her 7-Test career and 11 centuries in her 102 ODI appearances. Only Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Laura Wolvaardt, and Beth Mooney have achieved this feat internationally before.
The Indian team will hope to carry this momentum forward as they look to secure a series lead.
**Key Takeaways:**
* Smriti Mandhana scored her first T20I century in 51 balls.
* It is the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian woman.
* Mandhana is the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats.
* India dominated the first T20I against England.
First Piper 