Smriti Mandhana scored back to back centuries against South Africa in ODIs. What makes her the MVP for India Women?
India opener Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the annals of women’s cricket history by equalling former captain Mithali Raj’s all-time India record for the most centuries in women’s ODIs. She also made history by becoming the first-ever India woman cricketer to score consecutive tons in the ODI format.
Mandhana’s brilliant knock of 136 runs against South Africa Women in the second ODI is her seventh ODI century, bringing her level with the former skipper. With her century in the series opener, where she scored 117 runs, the flamboyant left-hander continued her superb form. Her back-to-back centuries made her the first India woman batter to achieve this feat in ODI cricket.
With two centuries in two consecutive games, Mandhana has proved herself as a standout player in the world of women’s cricket, solidifying her position as the Most Valuable Player for India Women. She is one of the finest players on the squad and is known to give her opponents tough times with her batting.
What makes her the MVP for India Women?
Consistency and form
Consistency is key in any sport, and Mandhana has shown time and again that she possesses the ability to deliver impressive batting performances, maintaining her averages and strike rates. Mandhana has been one of India’s most consistent performers on the cricket field since she made her international debut in 2013. She is a two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and is the first India woman cricketer to score an ODI and Test century in Australia.
Her dedication to fitness and training has played a crucial role in maintaining top form on the field. Mandhana’s performances in recent matches have been a sight to behold, with her fluent stroke play and ability to accelerate innings. Whether anchoring the innings or launching a counterattack, she has shown remarkable consistency and skill.
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Impact on India Women’s success
Smriti Mandhana‘s contributions have been instrumental in India Women’s successes. From crucial match-winning performances to leading by example, she has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the team’s accomplishments. Being appointed as the vice-captain of the national team, Mandhana brings a blend of experience and enthusiasm to the squad.
Her leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in guiding the team towards success. Her ability to deliver under pressure has been crucial for India in critical matches. Moreover, the knack for scoring crucial runs in high-stakes games has earned her a reputation as a dependable performer when the team needs it the most.
Technical Prowess and Skill Development
Mandhana’s batting style is characterised by her precise timing, elegant footwork and a wide range of shots that allow her to hit the field with precision. Her strengths lie in her ability to adapt to various conditions, play both pace and spin with ease and anchor innings with poise.
Continual improvement in shot selection and consistency is a focus area for her on-going development. Mandhana displayed a blend of technical prowess and aggressive stroke play that has become her trademark.
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Approach to handling pressure situations
Smriti Mandhana’s ability to thrive under pressure is a testament to her mental toughness. Whether facing a crucial over in a close match or rebuilding an innings after early setbacks, Mandhana’s composure and skill shine through. Her calm demeanour and belief in her abilities make her a reliable performer in crunch situations, earning her the reputation of a clutch player.
With a mix of aggression and composure, she tackles pressure situations by backing her strengths and playing calculated shots. Her ability to read the game and adjust her approach accordingly sets her apart in crunch moments.
In conclusion, Smriti Mandhana’s back-to-back centuries not only showcase her exceptional talent and skill on the cricket field but also highlight her invaluable contributions to the India Women’s team. As a player known for her consistency and form, Mandhana’s impact transcends mere statistics, making her a valuable player.
By matching Mithali Raj’s record, she has not only secured her place in cricket history but also inspired a new generation of cricketers. As she continues to shine on the international stage, her journey will undoubtedly be one to watch, bringing pride and glory to Indian cricket.
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