Smriti Mandhana has played 171 T20 internationals for India. The India opener struck an unbeaten 88 off 50 balls as Manchester Super Giants beat Sunrisers Leeds by four wickets at Headingley in the women's competition of The Hundred. The result kept Super Giants unbeaten in the tournament.
Mandhana's sixth half-century in The Hundred was also her top score in the competition. Her innings included seven fours and four sixes, and her calm approach proved decisive as Super Giants chased 143 despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
It was a testament to the quality of the knock that Super Giants skipper Meg Lanning, who made 24, was the only other player to reach double figures. Mandhana kept the chase on track before accelerating when 16 were needed from the final 10 balls.
She slog-swept Jess Jonassen for six, with Darcey Carter unable to hold the ball at deep mid-wicket, before driving the Australia spinner down the ground and over the ropes again. Mandhana then finished the match in style by sending Annabel Sutherland back over her head for six off the first ball of the final set.
Earlier, Sutherland top-scored for Sunrisers with a controlled 35 off 24 balls, including four fours, as her side posted 142-4 from their 100 balls. Bryony Smith and Phoebe Litchfield added 26 and 31 respectively, while Dani Gibson provided late impetus with 18 from six balls.
Grace Ballinger was the most economical of the Super Giants bowlers, conceding only 17 runs from her 20 wicketless balls. Sophie Ecclestone had a rare off day, with her allocation costing 30, while fellow England international Ryana MacDonald-Gay went for six runs more.
What happened in the chase?
Manchester Super Giants reached the target in 96 balls, finishing on 147-6. Mandhana's unbeaten innings anchored the reply and ensured the required rate never moved out of reach, even as wickets fell around her.
How did Sunrisers Leeds build their total?
Sunrisers Leeds made 142-4 in 100 balls, with Annabel Sutherland leading the scoring on 35. Bryony Smith contributed 26, Phoebe Litchfield made 31 and Dani Gibson added a rapid 18 off six balls to give the innings late momentum.
What happened next in The Hundred?
The Hundred continues on Wednesday with double-headers in Cardiff and London. At Sophia Gardens, Welsh Fire's women face Trent Rockets at 11:30 BST before the men's sides meet at 15:00 BST, with both home teams aiming to build on positive starts to the campaign.
Meanwhile, it is derby day at The Oval, MI London's women take on London Spirit at 15:00 BST before the men's fixture gets under way at 18:30 BST, as both sides look to gain early momentum in the race for the knockout stages.
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Key Facts
- Manchester Super Giants beat Sunrisers Leeds by four wickets at Headingley.
- Smriti Mandhana made an unbeaten 88 off 50 balls, with seven fours and four sixes.
- Sunrisers Leeds scored 142-4 from 100 balls, with Annabel Sutherland top-scoring on 35.
- Manchester Super Giants reached 147-6 in 96 balls to stay unbeaten in The Hundred.
- The Hundred continues on Wednesday with double-headers in Cardiff and London.
