Smriti Mandhana eventually broke her long T20I century drought with a strong 112 off 62 balls in India’s 97-run victory over England in the first match of the five-game series. Following the game, the Indian captain disclosed a motivational talk with colleague Radha Yadav that contributed to the spectacular century.

Mandhana had been getting out in the 70s and 80s for more than a decade. In her previous 12 T20I innings, she had scored fifty runs seven times but never reached a century. After the contest, Mandhana thanked Radha for posing the challenge that lead to her historic moment.

“I had a talk with Radha Yadav three days ago. These gals may be very rough on me at times. She was telling me, ‘It’s about time you got a century in T20Is; you’re always out in the 70s and 80s, and you’re not doing honour to your potential and all of that.’ I was like, ‘Okay, Radha, I’ll see what happens, this time I’ll attempt to get it in one of the series matches,'” Mandhana explained.

Did not expect it to come in the first match: Smriti Mandhana

The southpaw, who took over for Harmanpreet Kaur, who was out with a head injury, hammered 15 fours and three sixes to lead the visitors to 210/5, their second-highest total in Women’s T20Is. She reached her century in just 51 balls, pointing a finger at her buddy and smiling as she crossed the three-figure threshold.

“I didn’t expect it to arrive in the first match, but the finger was pointed at her, indicating, ‘See, I got it today. Because it’s been frustrating to be out in the 70s and 80s for the last ten years, especially when you had the potential to lead the squad. So I’m glad I could stay and lead the team to the 19th and 20th overs,” she said.

In response, the home team was bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs, with only Nat Sciver-Brunt (66 off 42) playing a valiant effort. For India, rookie Shree Charani took four wickets. Deepti Sharma and Radha each took two wickets, putting the visitors ahead 0-1 in the series.

“The way the bowlers bowled and executed the plan was just phenomenal. When they bowl like that, it makes our job much easier since they are all focused and know what they are doing. Shree, in particular, should participate in the opening match and bowl. We saw some of what she was capable of in the WPL. She always seemed like a great bowler. But today, she bowled exceptionally well, as did all of the bowlers,” Mandhana said.