Women’s Hundred 2026: Smriti Mandhana, Manchester’s ‘Super Giant’ in Leeds
A truly super giant-like performance from Smriti Mandhana saw her almost single-handedly guide Manchester Super Giants to a four-wicket win over Sunrisers Leeds in the ongoing Women’s Hundred.
Chasing 143, the opener remained unbeaten on 88 off just 50 balls, striking at 176 while showcasing her range of strokes and power-hitting with precision. After managing only 17 runs in the tournament opener, and with the previous game washed out due to rain, all eyes were on Mandhana as she walked out to bat.
It was a decent start for the visitors as they added 41 runs for the first wicket, with skipper Meg Lanning contributing 24. Mandhana, meanwhile, made a cautious start, particularly against India team-mate Deepti Sharma. Sunrisers Leeds captain Dani Gibson introduced the off-spinner early, and it paid off as Deepti kept Mandhana in check with four consecutive dot balls. But Mandhana quickly shifted gears, smashing Kate Cross for a four and a six off successive deliveries.
From there, she kept the scoreboard moving but began losing partners at the other end. Her side slipped from 61/1 to 68/4, losing Paige Scholfield, Richa Ghosh and Maitlan Brown for just seven runs. Brown’s run-out left Mandhana visibly distraught after a horrible mix-up. After taking a couple of steps down the pitch, she asked Brown to turn back, but it was too late.
The very next ball, Mandhana chipped one towards deep midwicket, where Phoebe Litchfield put down a regulation catch to hand her a lifeline. She made the most of it, bringing up her fifty off 33 balls. There was no celebration, only complete focus, with her side still needing 50 runs from 28 balls.
Grace Scrivens provided brief support before departing, after which Kathryn Bryce joined Mandhana. The pair rotated the strike smartly, pinching twos and threes to reduce the equation to 16 needed from 10 balls. During that phase, Mandhana eased the pressure with a six off Deepti. She then survived another chance as Darcey Carter dropped her off Jess Jonassen, with the ball also clearing the ropes for six. Mandhana followed it up with another maximum to leave just two runs required from the final five balls before finishing the chase in style with a match-winning six off Annabel Sutherland, sealing victory with four balls to spare.
It was a magical knock from Mandhana, who almost single-handedly carried the chase to completion. The way she used her feet while going for the big shots was a display of authority. Deservedly, she was named Player of the Match, but what stood out even more was the accountability and humility she displayed during the post-match presentation.
She openly took responsibility for Maitland Brown’s run-out, admitting: “Feels great to win the match. Got a little lucky with the dropped chance, but glad I could do the job for the team. Really disappointed with the first run-out – that was my mistake.” Mandhana also acknowledged Bryce’s contribution, saying: “Bryce, she was really cool, with important runs at the end.”
Mandhana’s unbeaten 88 was more than just a match-winning innings. It was a knock that blended class with skill, resilience and responsibility. But this innings will also be remembered for the accountability, humility and leadership Mandhana displayed long after she had struck the winning runs.
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