Mandhana’s Stellar Form Earns Her First ICC Player of the Month Award
Patiala, 9 July (Sports Desk)
Smriti Mandhana, a pillar of the Indian women’s cricket team, has been crowned the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June. This is her first time receiving this prestigious honor, edging out England’s Maia Bouchier and Sri Lanka’s Vishmi Gunaratne.
Dominating Performances Secure the Award:
Mandhana, already recognized as one of the world’s finest top-order batters, solidified her reputation with a phenomenal run in June. She played a pivotal role in India’s clean sweep of the ODI series against South Africa held in Bengaluru, followed by a stellar performance in the subsequent Test match in Chennai.
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Unstoppable Batting Against South Africa:
The left-handed batter displayed near-unbeatable form, scoring centuries in the first two ODIs. She amassed a staggering 113 runs in the first match and followed it up with an even more impressive 136 in the second. Her dominance continued in the third ODI, where she contributed a valuable 90 runs.
Transitioning Seamlessly to the Red-Ball Game:
After her phenomenal performance with the white ball, Mandhana seamlessly transitioned to the longer format. Partnering with fellow opener Shafali Verma, she set the stage for India’s Test victory over the Proteas. Their opening partnership yielded a mammoth 292 runs, with Mandhana contributing a brilliant 149 runs off just 161 deliveries. India declared their first innings at a commanding 603/6, ultimately securing a 10-wicket victory despite some resistance from the South African team.
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Aspiring for Continued Success:
Expressing her delight upon receiving the award, Mandhana emphasized her commitment to maintaining her form and contributing to the team’s success. “I’m truly happy to be named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month,” she said. “I’m very pleased with the team’s performance, and I’m glad I could contribute to our victories in the ODI and Test series. Hopefully, we can carry this momentum forward, and I can continue to play a key role in winning matches for India.”
