Which Indian cricketer has scored the fastest T20 International fifty for India in womens cricket?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines knowledge of batting records in womens T20 International cricket for India. The focus is on the fastest fifty scored by an Indian woman in this format. T20 cricket values quick scoring, and holding the record for the fastest fifty is an important achievement for any batter.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The format is womens T20 International cricket.
• The record under discussion is the fastest fifty for India.
• Four Indian womens cricketers are listed in the options.
• We must select the batter associated with this particular record.

Concept / Approach:
Smriti Mandhana is renowned for her aggressive yet stylish batting at the top of the order. She has set several scoring records in both ODI and T20 formats. In a T20 International against New Zealand, she scored a rapid fifty that set a new mark for India in terms of balls faced. Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj are also star batters but are not associated with this specific fastest fifty record.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which Indian womens batter holds the record for the fastest half century in T20 Internationals.Step 2: Smriti Mandhana produced a blazing innings against New Zealand that brought up her fifty in very few balls, setting the Indian record.Step 3: Harmanpreet Kaur is known for her powerful knocks, including a famous ODI World Cup innings, but not for this exact T20I record.Step 4: Mithali Raj is more of an anchor batter and is not typically the fastest scorer.Step 5: Anuja Patil is an all rounder and does not hold this batting record. Thus, Smriti Mandhana is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, one can check match statistics from the India tour of New Zealand where Smriti Mandhana quick scoring attracted attention and was specifically mentioned as the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian woman at that time. Commentators highlighted the number of balls faced and her strike rate. No such record is linked with the other players in the options, which confirms the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Harmanpreet Kaur, is correctly remembered for a devastating ODI knock against Australia and for leading India in T20s, but she does not hold this specific fastest fifty record. Option B, Mithali Raj, is a classical batter more famous for consistency and aggregate runs. Option D, Anuja Patil, contributes with bat and ball but has not set this particular milestone. Therefore these options do not match the record described.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may wrongly pick Harmanpreet Kaur because of her reputation as a power hitter or Mithali Raj because of her status as a senior player. Another pitfall is not distinguishing between formats, confusing fastest fifties in domestic T20 leagues with international records. To avoid such errors, candidates should link Smriti Mandhana name clearly with rapid scoring milestones, especially in T20 Internationals.

Final Answer:
The fastest T20 International fifty for India in womens cricket has been scored by Smriti Mandhana.