Mandhana and Shafali’s 162-run stand vs SL rewrites India’s T20I partnership record

Kaushik Kashyap

Mandhana and Shafali smash 162-run stand. {Source - @bcci/x.com]Mandhana and Shafali smash 162-run stand. {Source - @bcci/x.com]

Partnerships shape success in T20Is, and India’s women have produced memorable, record-breaking stands that defined matches. From explosive openings to under pressure rebuilds, India’s top batters combined brilliantly, registering highest partnerships that shifted matches.

Here are the top five highest partnerships for any wicket by India Women in T20Is.

5. 130 runs by Thirush Kamini and Punam Raut vs BAN, 2013

At number five, Thirush Kamini and Punam Raut crafted a remarkable 130-run opening partnership against Bangladesh in 2013 at Vadodara, the record T20I partnership for India Women back then.

After being asked to bat first, both Kamini and Raut went big, scoring 56 and 75 respectively. Their stellar effort helped India post 143, eventually guiding the team to a comfortable victory in the three-match T20I series' opener.

4. 134 runs by Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues vs NZ, 2018

Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues produced a sensational 134-run partnership for the fourth wicket against New Zealand in the opening match of the 2018 T20 World Cup at Providence, Guyana.

After India slumped to 40/3, the duo steadied the innings brilliantly. Harmanpreet scored a magnificent century, supported by Jemimah’s resilient half-century, powering India to an above-par total and setting up a memorable victory in the tournament opener.

3. 137 runs by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma vs AUS, 2024

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma smashed a commanding 137-run opening partnership in the first T20I of the three-match series against Australia at the DY Patil Stadium in 2024.

After Titas Sadhu’s brilliant four-wicket haul restricted Australia to 141, the Indian openers didn't allow the visitors to comeback in the game. Both Mandhana and Shafali scored fluent half-centuries, effortlessly guiding India to a comfortable victory in the series opener.

2. 143 runs by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma vs WI, 2019

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma delivered a blistering 143-run opening stand against West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, 2019.

After being asked to bat first, both openers attacked fearlessly, striking at over 145, setting the tone for India’s innings. Their explosive partnership helped India post a solid total and laid the foundation for a commanding victory in the series opener.

1. 162 runs by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma vs SL, 2025

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma reign supreme with a record 162-run opening partnership in the latest 4th T20I encounter against Sri Lanka in Trivandrum, 2025. Their explosive batting redefined dominance, setting the highest partnership for India Women in T20Is.

Mandhana and Shafali finished with 80 and 79, respectively, at an impressive strike-rate of nearly 170. Their flawless partnership showcased skill, composure, and aggression, propelling India to a massive total of 221 after being put on to bat first..