Mandhana and Shafali rewrite the record books with 162-run opening stand
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma combined to produce a brilliant 162-run opening partnership, setting a new benchmark for the pair and surpassing their own previous best. The stand eclipsed the 143 they put on together back in 2019 against the West Indies, underlining the growing chemistry between two of India’s most exciting young batters.
How the partnership unfolded
The stand was a mix of flair and control. Shafali supplied the early fireworks with her aggressive intent, frequently taking the attack to the bowlers and forcing field adjustments. Mandhana balanced that aggression with timing and placement, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Together they maintained a healthy scoring rate while rarely allowing the bowling side to dominate.
- Shafali Verma: Provided the quick starts and momentum that unsettled the opposition.
- Smriti Mandhana: Anchored the innings, converting good starts into sustained runs.
- Partnership impact: Gave the middle order a strong platform to build on and shifted pressure squarely onto the bowlers.
Breaking their own record — why it matters
There’s a special significance in breaking your own record. The 162-run stand not only shows individual growth but also highlights the maturity of their partnership. They first showed the potential in 2019 with a 143-run opening that set high expectations. This new high confirms they have developed better understanding of each other’s games and are able to translate that into match-defining contributions.
What this means for the team
A dominant opening partnership like this changes the complexion of a match. It allows the team to post or chase large totals with confidence, takes the heat off the middle order, and forces opposing captains to rethink bowling plans. For India, having two players who can both take control at the top is a major advantage in all formats.
Looking ahead
If Mandhana and Shafali continue to click, they will remain one of the most dangerous opening pairs in the game. Their combination of aggression and elegance can set the tone early and shape many more contests to come. Opponents will need to strategise differently to break such partnerships early and prevent big scores.
The new 162-run mark is a clear sign that this partnership is only getting stronger — and it promises exciting cricket for fans who love bold, attacking opening play.