Smriti Mandhana becomes first player to reach 500 runs in Women's Hundred

India vice-captain and Southern Brave batter Smriti Mandhana became the first cricketer to score 500 runs in The Hundred Women’s competition. Notably, the flamboyant batter attained the impressive feat during match No.5 of the league against Welsh Fire.

It is worth mentioning that Mandhana slammed two fifties on the trot donning the Southern Brave outfit in The Hundred 2023 thus far. She compiled scores of 55 and an unbeaten 70 runs against Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire, respectively. 

In the process, the India batter became the first cricketer in the women’s competition to breach the 500-run mark. In her first season, Mandhana managed to score 167 runs in seven outings and followed it with 211 runs in eight matches in 2022.

With 125 runs in two matches, Mandhana is the current top run-getter of the competition, maintaining a strike rate of 160.25. Her teammate Danielle Wyatt is second in the standings with 94 runs in two appearances, lacing it with one fifty at an average of 47.00.

Speaking about the match, Welsh Fire posted a competitive first innings total of 165 runs in their stipulated 100 balls of the contest. Hayley Matthews top scored for her side as she slammed a 38-ball 65 runs which featured 13 boundaries at a strike rate of 171.05.

During the chase, Smriti Mandhana carved out a belligerent knock as she hammered 11 boundaries in her innings of 70* off 42 balls. In addition to her innings, Danni Wyatt notched up 67 off 37 balls, including ten fours and two sixes.

Despite their magnificent knocks, Welsh’s spirited bowling performance helped them claw their way back into the contest during the chase. Alex Griffiths claimed two wickets, whereas Hayley Matthews added one in her account as Welsh narrowly won the contest by four runs. 

Southern Brave play their next fixture against Northern Superchargers on Sunday, August 6, at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. The Anya Shrubsole-led side will look to get back to winning ways in order to compete for the title.