Mandhana and Verma's Record-Breaking Partnership Makes History in Women's T20Is Against England

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma scripted history on Tuesday, July 1, by becoming the most prolific pair in Women’s T20Is.

The Indian duo went past Australia’s celebrated pair of Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy, who had 2,720 runs together. Mandhana and Shafali achieved the milestone during the second T20I of the five-match series against England at the County Ground in Bristol.

England Women vs India Women, 2nd T20I Updates

It was also the second time in less than a week that the pair etched their names in the record books. In the first T20I at Trent Bridge on June 28, they stitched their 21st fifty-plus stand - the most by any pair in Women’s T20Is - surpassing Healy and Mooney’s tally of 20.

Most runs as a pair in Women’s T20Is

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma (India) - 2727 runs from 79 innings

Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney (Australia) - 2720 runs from 84 innings

Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine (New Zealand) - 2556 runs from 79 innings

Esha Rohit Oza and Theertha Satish (United Arab Emirates) - 1985 runs from 57 innings

Kavisha Egodage and Esha Rohit Oza (United Arab Emirates) - 1976 runs from 50 innings

Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) - 1685 runs from 46 innings

Charlotte Edwards and Sarah Taylor (England) - 1606 runs from 57 innings

On Tuesday, however, Mandhana and Shafali couldn’t recreate the magic in Bristol that they showcased in Nottingham.

While the duo had put on a 77-run opening stand in the first T20I at Trent Bridge, they managed just 14 runs off 10 balls at the County Ground in the second match.

Shafali fell cheaply, scoring only 3 runs off 4 balls. Lauren Filer struck early, removing the right-hander and giving England an important breakthrough after opting to field first.

Shafali looked promising, scoring 20 in Nottingham, but failed to get going in Bristol.