India’s star batswoman Smriti Mandhana equalled the record for the fastest half-century in women’s T20 cricket during a Kia Super League encounter between Western Storm and Loughborough Lightning.
Mandhana equalled New Zealand’s Sophie Devine’s record of a half-century off 18 balls, set against India during a T20 International in 2015. The Indian blasted a 19-ball 52 overall.
Mandhana also smashed the tournament record for the fastest fifty as her team beat the league leader by 18 runs in a curtailed six overs-a-side match on Saturday night.
Western Storm posted 85 for two in six overs as Mandhana blasted four sixes and five fours during her 19-ball knock.
Ironically, Devine, who was in Mandhana’s opposite team, top-scored with 46 for her side but Storm restricted Lightning to 67 for no loss.
Mandhana started with a straight six and then hit Devine over long-on for another maximum in the next over.
She then drove Jenny Gunn to the long-off boundary, followed by an elegant drive through covers at the expense of Kirstie Gordon.
Another big six off Georgia Elwiss over long-on and her fourth maximum off Lynsey Smith took Mandhana equal with the fastest half-century record.
