Smriti Mandhana delivered a composed and authoritative innings, scoring 81 off 86 balls to anchor India Women’s successful chase and earn the Player of the Match award in the second ODI against Sri Lanka Women. Her knock was the cornerstone of India’s five-wicket victory, a result that secured a 2–0 series lead and underlined India’s control in the contest.
Chasing a target of 231, India required clarity and patience rather than urgency, and Mandhana set exactly that tone from the outset. Opening the innings, she approached the chase with trademark elegance, focusing first on assessment. The early overs were about timing, placement, and strike rotation, ensuring the required rate never became a concern.
Mandhana’s strength lay in her ability to blend caution with intent. She did not force shots against good deliveries, instead waiting for scoring opportunities and punishing anything loose. Her footwork against spin was particularly effective, allowing her to pierce gaps through the off side and disrupt Sri Lanka’s plans to apply middle-overs pressure.
As the innings progressed, Mandhana took increasing responsibility. When India lost wickets at the other end, she remained calm, absorbing pressure and stabilizing the chase. Her presence ensured there was no panic, even when Sri Lanka briefly tightened their bowling and slowed the scoring rate.
The partnerships Mandhana built were crucial. Rather than chasing boundaries, she emphasized continuity, keeping the scoreboard moving with singles and twos. This approach frustrated the fielding side, forcing constant adjustments without reward. By the time Mandhana crossed her half-century, India were firmly in control of the chase.
Her acceleration was measured rather than explosive. Mandhana chose her moments wisely, unfurling crisp drives and controlled pulls to maintain momentum. The innings never felt rushed, yet it progressed efficiently — a hallmark of a batter in complete command of the situation.
Mandhana’s dismissal for 81 came with India well on course, her job effectively done. By anchoring the innings deep, she allowed the remaining batters to finish the chase with confidence and freedom. India crossed the line with 28 balls to spare, a margin that reflected how comfortably the chase had been managed.
Beyond the numbers, this innings highlighted Mandhana’s maturity as a senior player. She read the match situation perfectly, adjusted her tempo accordingly, and led by example. In ODI cricket, where pacing is critical, her knock stood out as a lesson in control and awareness.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers tried various tactics to dislodge her, but Mandhana’s balance and shot selection made her difficult to contain. Once she settled, the chase revolved around her presence, and Sri Lanka were left hoping for mistakes that never came.
Earning the Player of the Match award was a fitting recognition. Smriti Mandhana’s 81 off 86 balls was not just a personal milestone, but a match-defining contribution. It anchored India Women to a series-clinching win and reaffirmed her status as one of the most reliable and influential batters in women’s ODI cricket.
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