Smriti Mandhana scores century after getting dropped for 97 & 99, here’s how Twitterati reacted

Smriti Mandhana's century in Challengers Trophy 2018 opener between India Blue vs India Red sent Twitter into a frenzy

By: Arun Rawal |
January 4, 2018 4:37 pm

Smriti Mandhana played a match-winning knock in the opener of Women Challengers Trophy 2018. India Blue skipper Mandhana scored an unbeaten 100 runs from 123 balls with the help of 10 fours and 1 six at a strike rate of 81.30. The left-handed opener was lucky twice in her innings as she was dropped on 97 and 99 at deep square leg and long off position.

With just one needed to reach the century and to win the match, Mandhana decided to end it in style. She went for a big shot against Poonam Yadav but could not time it well. The ball fell just short of the long off fielder and Mandhana reached her century. Mandhana laughed it off as she acknowledged the supporters by raising her bat in relief.

It was a captain’s knock from Mandhana which resulted in Mithali Raj’s gritty knock of 72 runs going in vain. India Blue chased down the target with 23 balls to spare and won the match by 8 wickets.

She got support from the other end as well. Opener Vanitha VR played an attacking brand of cricket on a pitch where battswomen struggled to hit big shots. Vanitha struck 3 sixes in her innings of 42 runs from 45 balls.

Here’s how Mandhana reached her century –

Well played @mandhana_smriti
Congrats blue@BCCIWomen pic.twitter.com/WcJAH2jWzS

— Nadeem Almas. (@nadeemalmas1) January 4, 2018

.@mandhana_smriti celebrates as she brings up a match-winning century against India Red. India Blue win by 8 wickets #ChallengerTrophy pic.twitter.com/wofe2hSnLi

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 4, 2018

ALSO READ: Mithali Raj scores a fighting knock of 72 for India RED, Twitterati laud her lone battle

Here’s how Twitterati reacted to Mandhana’s innings –

A great century by great player… Enjoyed each moment of @mandhana_smriti inning #Favorite #Love #World pic.twitter.com/KBO3RbJi2y

— Amiya Shrivastava (@amiya_shri21) January 4, 2018

@mandhana_smriti That moment when someone drops your catch at 99. Congratulations for the comprehensive win #ChallengerTrophy #ChallengersTrophy pic.twitter.com/4c2Lr6LX1C

— Chetan Pardeshi (@Chetan_desi) January 4, 2018

100 for @mandhana_smriti my heart was in my mouth with that shot though.. play a grounded shot next time girl when u just need a single

— Feisty Blue (@insane_h3art) January 4, 2018

What an Innings From Captain @mandhana_smriti For India Blue , Scored From 123 Balls With 10 Fours & 1 Six #ChallengerTrophy pic.twitter.com/qea2DXIOtV

— Johns (@CricCrazyJohns) January 4, 2018

@mandhana_smriti A great knock. Half win belongs to you 100* 😛 We can say that proudly. Congratulations mam. Its a blessing watching you hit those sixes.

— Chetan Pardeshi (@Chetan_desi) January 4, 2018

I am unable to say about Smriti Mandhana 100. Brilliant 100 from https://t.co/3PJRPd4Ub1 are great ma’am!!!!!!!

— Srinath Smriti (@Srinathbalu1) January 4, 2018

That was interesting from Mona Meshram! Hitting a 4 when five runs are reqd to win and your captain at the other end waiting at 99 not out! But she did let @mandhana_smriti reach the 100! #ChallengerTrophy #IndRedvIndBlue https://t.co/cwakD85UEZ

— BCCIWomenFC (@BCCIWomenFC) January 4, 2018

Vaise toh main Sakt launda hoon !! Magar yahaan main pigal gaya @mandhana_smriti – Brilliant player in making !! Reminds me @SGanguly99 !!!

Bad Luck @M_Raj03 !!@StarSportsIndia @hotstartweets #IndRedvsIndBlue #WomenChallengerSeries pic.twitter.com/s2zQudqF8J

— Piyush Nair (@piyushnair) January 4, 2018

100 for Smriti Mandhana. India Blue wins! Kinda sad for Mithali Raj. She did so well despite lacking support from the other end. Well played to both the Teams. You did so well Skipper @M_Raj03. Always a great pleasure to see you on the crease!

— Jessy Rajkumari (@RajkumariJessy) January 4, 2018

What amazing innings by @M_Raj03 ji & @mandhana_smriti ji ….. Perfect captains’ knocks by both of them …. What a game India Blue Vs India Red … Congratulations India Blue for this fantabulous win
Congratulations @M_Raj03 ji & @mandhana_smriti ji pic.twitter.com/DPtKZCMu6g

— NIDHI SOOD (@mohindranidhi79) January 4, 2018

India Blue lost another wicket as NM Chaudhary got out for 13. But Mona Meshram played well and helped Mandhana take India Blue home without any further hassle. The match got pretty one-sided in the end as the target of 200 did not seem quite threatening.

ALSO READ: Sean Abbott gives 11 runs off just one ball in last over, costs Perth Scorchers the match against Sydney Sixers

However, the last few overs of India Blue innings were quite eventful. Apart from Mandhana getting lucky twice due to dropped catches, Mona gave her a scare as she scored a boundary with just 5 runs to win. Though she made up for it by defending the next two balls and had the last laugh with her captain.