Mandhana, who opens the innings for India, slammed six fours to top-score for her side. She stitched a match-winning 53-run partnership with Corinne Hall (19).
The stylish Southpaw was unlucky to miss out on a well-deserved half-century as she was dismissed by pacer Stella Campbell in the 15th over.
Lovely shot from Smriti Mandhana! Thunder reach 0-18 after 2 #WBBL07 https://t.co/3LGMA6PHce
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) 1636864086000
Mandhana’s compatriot all-rounder Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on four as she hit the winning runs in Thunder’s successful run-chase against the Sixers with 28 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, India’s left-arm spinner Radha Yadav injured herself while diving to make a save near the boundary and thus did not bowl.
Opting to bat, the Sixers were off to a wobbly start as both the openers fell within the first six overs.
India’s Shafali Verma (8 off 14) endured a disappointing day as the youngster was run-out courtesy a direct hit from India teammate Deepti, while her opening partner and star Australia wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy (7 off 16) fell to English quick Issy Wong.
Good vibes in Mackay! ☀️????#WBBL07 #ThunderNation https://t.co/wxkAKFXUs7
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) 1636872944000
Skipper Ellyse Perry then laboured to run-a-ball 40 with Nicole Bolton (19) while Angela Reakes (16) provided valuable contribution as the Sixers managed to reach 94 for six in their 20 overs.
Deepti bowled an economical spell, registering figures of 0/19 in her four overs but she went wicketless. The all-rounder played a vital role in the dismissal of the dangerous opening duo of Shafali and Healy.
While she effected Shafali’s run-out, Deepti also caught Healy at square-leg off Wong in consecutive overs.
Deepti Sharma with the rocket arm to run out Shafali Verma by a long way! ????LIVE: https://t.co/PJpK73HvYL #WBBL07 https://t.co/h2QZKa8jK9
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) 1636858772000
In another match, veteran Indian spinner Poonam Yadav had a decent outing with the ball.
She gave away 19 runs in 3.2 overs, while being hit for one boundary as her team Brisbane Heat lost to Adelaide Strikers by eight wickets.
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