Star Indian women's cricket team batswoman, Smriti Mandhana, shared a heartfelt message that touched hearts, dedicated to a young fan from Kashmir. Filmmaker Kabir Khan shared some pictures from his journey through Kashmir on social media. These photos mentioned his meeting with a little girl in Aaru Valley, who expressed her admiration for Smriti Mandhana.
Mandhana, set to grace the field in the India-Sri Lanka series commencing on December 21, responded to this post with a charming message that won everyone over on social media.
Kabir Khan’s Words
Kabir Khan wrote, 'Strolling through Kashmir with a camera always feels magical. Like the little girl from Aaru who asked me to tell Smriti Mandhana that she's her favorite player. I hope Smriti sees this post.'
Smriti Mandhana’s Heartfelt Response
Reacting to this, Smriti Mandhana wrote, 'Please give that little champ from Aaru a big hug from me and tell her I’m cheering for her too!'
Eyes on Historical Achievement: IND W vs SL W: Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma Could Make History as They Face Sri Lanka in the First T20 Today
Mandhana Close to a Historic Achievement
Smriti Mandhana is on the brink of a historic feat. Standing at the threshold of becoming the first Indian batswoman to score 4,000 runs in women’s T20 international cricket, this accomplishment beckons as she faces Chamari Athapaththu-led Sri Lanka in the first T20I in Visakhapatnam this Sunday.
The first player to achieve this was New Zealand legend Suzie Bates. At the moment, Mandhana is just 18 runs away. In her 153 T20I matches, she has amassed 3,982 runs with an average nearing 30, a strike rate of approximately 124, including one century and 31 half-centuries.
Stellar Performance in Women's World Cup
Mandhana shone brightly in the recently concluded Women's World Cup, playing a vital role in India’s triumphant title win after defeating South Africa in the finals to lift the trophy. In nine matches throughout the tournament, Smriti Mandhana scored 434 runs with an average of 54.25, breaking the record for most runs scored by an Indian in a single Women's ODI World Cup, previously held by Mithali Raj (409 runs, 2017).
Her stellar innings included a century against New Zealand, an invaluable 45 in the finals, and consistently crucial performances throughout the tournament. Mandhana finished second in the tournament's run tally and was pivotal in securing India’s historic victory.
