Indian batting superstar Smriti Mandhana has officially become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. The 30-year-old achieved this historic milestone during a commanding 124-run innings off 64 balls against Hong Kong in the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai on Thursday.
A Record-Breaking Performance
During her match-winning display, Mandhana surpassed former India captain Mithali Raj, who previously held the record with 10,868 international runs. The victory also secured India’s advancement to the semifinals of the T20 tournament. Mandhana’s knock featured 14 fours and seven sixes, helping India post 193-5 before bowling out Hong Kong for just 56 to seal a 137-run win.
New Milestones in Century Making
- Mandhana is now the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket with 18 hundreds, surpassing Australia’s Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who each have 17.
- Since her 2013 debut, she has become the first Indian woman to score international centuries in all three formats, including two in Tests, 14 in ODIs, and two in T20Is.
Reflections on the Achievement
Reflecting on her performance, Mandhana noted that she was unaware of the specific record while batting. “Until I was batting, I didn’t know what record, because I didn’t know what’s the exact runs,” she told Sportstar, adding, “It’s just the start” and calling it a “very good day for Indian cricket.” She also praised Mithali Raj as a “legend and a role model” and dedicated the achievement to her family.
Mandhana acknowledged the challenge posed by Hong Kong’s early bowling, stating, “They were disciplined in the powerplay, bowled really well and the energy they showed was something we’ll learn from.”
