Smriti Mandhana, a woman who doesn’t require any introduction when it comes to the cricket field. She is an Indian woman cricketer, representing the Indian Women’s Cricket National Team. Born in Mumbai, on July 18th, 1996.
She is also known as one of the most talented cricketers in the world. Being a left-handed opener her aggressive gaming style is what attracts most of the spotlights in her direction.
Some lesser-known facts about Smriti Mandhana are as follows:
1. Debut at the age of 9
Reportedly Smriti’s first debut was when she was 9, she played for Maharashtra under 15 teams. And at the age of 11, she became a part of the under 19 team.
2. She was meant to be a cricketer
Cricket runs in her blood. Her father was a district player and her brother was in the under-16 team, representing Maharashtra.
3. Double century in domestic one day
During a game, she scored 224 runs in 150 deliveries. That game was a one-day game. She represented Maharashtra against Gujarat.
4. ODI debut at 17
She is one of the youngest players who debuted in an ODI at such a young age. She is also the third Indian woman to score a 50 in ODI cricket.
5. Test debut at the 18
Mandhana was just 18 when she made her test debut against England in August 2014. She made a score of 51 in the second innings and India won the Test match by six wickets. She is the second youngest Indian to get a fifty in Test cricket.
6. Got featured in ICC women’s team 2016
When she was only 19, she got selected and made it into the Women’s Team. Not only that, she was given a chance to get lined up with some major players. She is the only Indian player to get featured in that team in 2016.
7. She missed 12th and her college admissions
Smriti missed her 12th board and her college admissions because of the World Cup T20 and she also had to go to England on tour.
8. Kumar Sangakkara and Smriti Mandhana
Smriti’s favorite cricketer is Sangakkara and she often copied his style of playing and improvised that during matches.
9. Women’s Big Bash League 2016
Smriti signed up for a year’s contract with Brisbane Heat back in 2016.
10. Arjuna Award
For her outstanding and flawless performance in cricket, Smriti received the Arjuna Award.
11. Rahul Dravid and Smriti
Smriti received a bat from Rahul Dravid. And apparently, she still treasures that since it is so special for her.
12. Ambassador of T20 Women’s Blind Tournament
She became the ambassador of the first Women’s blind t20 which was held in December 2019.
13. First Indian player for Kia League
Smriti was the first Indian cricketer who played and performed during the KIA super league. She signed in for Western Storm.
14. Fastest Indian women cricketer to complete 2000 ODI runs
Smriti is the fastest Indian woman to complete 2000 ODI runs. She’s the second Indian cricketer after Shikhar Dhawan to have done a splendid performance. And she’s the third-fastest woman to have completed 2000 ODI runs when it comes to international cricket.
