Smriti Mandhana of the Indian women’s cricket squad scored 127 runs against Australia in the one-off Pink Ball Test on Friday, becoming the first Indian woman to hit a century in a pink-ball Test. This is also the first century in which an Indian woman has lived in Australia. On Day Two in Carrara, Queensland, the southpaw, who was 80 not out overnight, kept her cool to hit the milestone. She needed 171 balls to reach triple digits and was dismissed for 127 runs. In the second day’s first session, India reached 231/3. India was in a commanding position during the supper break, having begun the proceedings at 132 for one.
Mandhana struck 127 off 216 balls with 22 boundaries and a six at the Carrara Oval, extending her impressive effort after putting up 93 with Shafali Verma on the rain-affected first day. Ellyse Perry’s short-arm pull shot gave her her century in the 52nd over. Mandhana would not have contributed to her overnight score of 80 if Perry hadn’t overstepped in the second over of Day 2. Replays suggested that the catch may perhaps have been suspect.
The Maharashtra player led the first day with a career-best 80 not out, which had grace scrawled all over it, as the Indian women’s cricket team concluded on 132 for 1. Mandhana added 93 for the opening stand with Shafali Verma (31 off 64 balls), who played second fiddle during their partnership. Mandhana hit 15 boundaries and a six on her way to 80 off 144 balls.
The second session was washed out for the most part, although Mandhana added another 16 runs to her previous best of 78. As per The Indian Express.
