'Playing for India is a special feeling' -Smriti Mandhana opens up after becoming the second Indian woman to play 100 T20Is

Smriti Mandhana (Source: Twitter)

Indian woman cricketer Smriti Mandhana achieved the feat of becoming the only second Indian woman to play 100 T20I matches on Monday. Mandhana shared her excitement and said that the day was special for her and the performance of the team made it extra special.

She further said that the team will work hard for the semi-final to be held after two days. India thrashed Thailand by nine wickets at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday and finished on top of the points table in the Women's Asia Cup 2022.

"Playing for India and playing the 100th T20, it is a special feeling. The girls made it special. This Indian team is a fun to be part of. Thailand played good cricket in this tournament. We were looking forward to come out and play. Our bowlers were brilliant. All three batters did their job. We have the semi-final after two days. We will be working hard, looking forward to go out and playing that," said Mandhana in a post-match presentation.

India finished with 10 points in six matches while Thailand is at the fourth spot with three wins in six matches and six points. Thailand, batting first, were bundled out for just 37 runs in 15.1 overs. Except for one batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai (12), no Thailand player could score in double digits.

Spinner Sneh Rana was the pick of the bowlers for India with 3/9. Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/8) and Deepti Sharma (2/10) took two wickets each. Meghna Singh also got one wicket. India chased the total comfortably in six overs, with Sabbhineni Meghana top-scoring with 20* while Pooja Vastrakar was unbeaten at 12 at the other end.

In 100 T20Is Mandhana played for India, she amassed 2373 runs at an average of 26.96 and a strike rate of 122. The Southpaw has 17 half-centuries to her name. The 26-year-old has also represented India in 77 matches and has 3073 runs to her name at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 83. She has also played for Tests for the country.