India storm into semis after Smriti Mandhana's record night

India’s score does not offer an accurate portrayal of the wicket’s true nature. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, at the toss, called it ‘very tricky.’ Caution governed the opening overs — 18 balls, 18 runs from Mandhana.

Then, caution was thrown to the wind. Three boundaries bled from the fifth over, all fashioned by the left-hander’s blade. Opening partner Shafali Verma hit two sixes and as many fours in the next over, before Ruchika Venkatesh dismissed her for 28.

India added another 119 runs after her departure. Mandhana made 80 of them. Anything short was pulled with disdain. Anything sweepable was swept with conviction. Her drives held caress; her cuts — like the one that brought up the century — held surgical precision.