Smriti Mandhana becomes first Indian to score WBBL ton, equals record

Smriti Mandhana on Wednesday became the first Indian to score a century in the Women’s Big Bash League. The Sydney Thunder scored an unbeaten 114 runs off 64 balls. Her heroics, however, couldn’t take her team over the line as the Melbourne Renegades emerged victorious at the Harrup Park in Queensland. 

Mandhana smashed 14 boundaries and three sixes during her stay on the crease. The 25-year-old reached the three-figure mark in 57 balls, hitting the last 22 runs in five deliveries. Her score of 114* is the joint-highest individual score by a batter in a WBBL game. Ashleigh Gardner had also scored 114 for the Sydney Sixers in a game against the Melbourne Stars in 2017.

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After being put on to bat first, the Melbourne Renegades lost openers Jemimah Rodrigues and Carly Leeson early. They were reduced to 9/2. Then Evelyn Jones and Harmanpreet Kaur added 91 runs for the third wicket. Bates was dismissed for a 33-ball 42.

Her partner, Harmanpreet, scored an unbeaten on 81 off 55 balls and boosted the total to 175/4. Jess Duffen scored a 22-ball 33. 

Chasing a total of 176, the Thunder were 46/2 after 6.1 overs. Mandhana was hammering the Renegades bowlers around the park. 

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However, some economical bowling ensured the Thunder fell four runs short.