Mandhana makes India proud, equals record for fastest 50 in T20

Indian women cricketer, Smriti Mandhana recently hit the fastest fifty in women's T20. Mandhana completed her 50 in just 18 balls and made an overall score of 52 off 19 balls. Mandhana, who plays for Western Storm in the Kia Super League (women's T20 super league played in England) hit five fours and four sixes in her brilliant knock against Loughborough Lightning in Taunton. She equaled New Zealand's Sophie Devine's record of fastest fifty in women's T20. Mandhana was awarded the woman of the match for her innings. She also made an excellent 48 off just 20 balls in her KSL debut.

Western Storm scored 85 runs in six overs and won the match by 18 runs thanks to Mandhana's elegant knock.

She's also the highest six hitter in the tournament with 11 sixes.

"She can be said as the Virender Sehwag of women's cricket. She is continuously proving herself against good and effective bowlers", says Raman Sachdeva, cricketer, Delhi state team.

"Mandhana's batting display was one of a kind. Dominating the bowlers from the very first ball is her thing", says Danish Siddiqi, cricketer, Delhi state team.

Fans all around the globe were impressed with her innings and expressed it through their social media handles.

Smriti Mandhana has cracked the joint-fastest fifty (18 balls) in women's T20s. #smritimandhana #KiaSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/4ZKpHRzdDU

— Rajesh M B (@rajeshmagnur) 29 July 2018

What a knock @mandhana_smriti ! 50 off 18 balls! You really have developed interest for Indians for watching women's cricket! Also nice to see you enjoying T20's with the girls #SmritiMandhana

— Aman Shah (@aman2398) 29 July 2018

Queen of good times..Joint fastest of all times 18 balls 50 runs #SmritiMandhana #MondayMotivation @MYFMIndia pic.twitter.com/dSyl329JYc

— Archana Jani (@myrjarchanajani) 30 July 2018

Legendary Sri Lankan Batsman and one of the greatest batsman of all time Kumar Sangakkara saw her impressive innings in person and tweeted about it.

Watching @mandhana_smriti putting bowlers to the sword here at Taunton. She is brilliant to watch. Great ambassador and great skill

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) 29 July 2018

The 22 year old from Mumbai recently had her 'fan girl' moment as she met her idol Kumar Sangakkara during Kia Super League. Mandhana took social media to share her moment.

Mandhana was in top form last year too during the ICC women's world cup. She played the World Cup after recovering from a leg injury. She played brilliant knocks of 90 and 106 not out in the world cup.

"Big thing behind Smriti Mandhana is that she is a fearless cricketer. She knows exactly how to play in every situation", says Raunak Kaushik, cricketer, MP division and Delhi state camp.

She also holds the record for scoring the fastest fifty in T20 internationals (30 balls) against Australia women in 2017-18 women Tri-nation series.

In June 2018, the Board of control of cricket in India (BCCI) named her as the best women's international cricketer.

Mandhana is a great asset for the Indian team and has a bright future for sure.