Smriti Mandhana registered the fastest fifty in the history of the Kia Super League, off just 18 deliveries. Her brilliant knock also equalled Sophie Devine’s record of fastest women’s T20 fifty.

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Devine previously set the record in July 2015, scoring 70 from just 22 balls in a T20I match against India.

After rain reduced the clash between Western Storm and Loughborough Lightning to six overs per side, Mandhana’s fiery 19-ball 52* and Rachel Priest’s 25 from 13 powered their side to a competitive 85/2.

Mandhana had scored 48 and 37 in the previous two matches and made the difference for her side against Lightning.

Put in to bat, Mandhana and Priest, the openers, provided Storm a strong start by adding 71 runs in the first five overs. After Priest’s dismissal, Heather Knight fell for a second-ball duck, while Stafanie Taylor remained unbeaten on 7.

Despite Devine’s blazing 21-ball 46*, Lightning could only manage to score 67/0 from their six overs as Storm cruised to an 18-run victory – their second in the tournament.

“I was fortunate to have the best seat in the house to watch Smriti’s innings,” said Priest after the win. “It’s great to have her in the team this season, and she’s made a brilliant start.

“I had a pretty good season at the top of the order last year, but having someone of her class come in has taken some of the pressure off me.”

Related tags:

Western Storm Smriti MandhanaGlobal T20 LeaguesKia Super League