Smriti Mandhana Rewrites History: Becomes Highest Run-Scorer in Women’s International Cricket
DUBAI: Smriti Mandhana has officially ascended to the pinnacle of women’s cricket. The Indian vice-captain etched her name into the history books on Thursday, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in the history of women’s international cricket across all formats.
The historic milestone was achieved during India’s dominant performance against Hong Kong China at the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai. Entering the match with her eyes set on the record, the 30-year-old star didn’t just break the barrier—she shattered it with a display of pure batting brilliance.
A Spectacular Show of Dominance
Mandhana’s journey to the top was underscored by a breathtaking innings of 124 off just 64 balls. After a measured start on a challenging, slow Dubai surface, the left-handed opener found her rhythm alongside partner Shafali Verma. Once settled, Mandhana shifted gears in devastating fashion, smashing 14 fours and seven sixes at a staggering strike rate of 193.75.
In a display of sheer power, she raced from 50 to 100 in a mere 17 deliveries, eventually reaching her second T20I century off 57 balls. By the time she was dismissed in the final over, she had powered India to a formidable total of 193/5. Her score of 124 also set a new benchmark, marking the highest individual score ever recorded in the history of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, eclipsing Chamari Athapaththu’s previous record of 119.
The Elite Hierarchy: Most International Runs
With this performance, Mandhana moved past Mithali Raj’s long-standing record of 10,868 runs. The current all-time top five now reads:
- *10,880 – Smriti Mandhana (India)**
- 10,868 – Mithali Raj (India)
- 10,740 – Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
- 10,273 – Charlotte Edwards (England)
- 10,007 – Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)
A Legacy of Milestones
Beyond the all-time run-scoring record, Mandhana’s performance underscored her status as one of the game’s greatest modern icons. The century marked her 18th in international cricket, making her the outright leader for most centuries by a woman in the game’s history, moving ahead of Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt (17 each).
She also became the first Indian woman to register two T20I centuries, having previously scored 112 against England in 2025. Furthermore, her partnership with Shafali Verma reached a historic milestone; the duo’s opening stand marked their 29th 50-plus partnership in T20Is—the most by any pair in the history of the format.
Reflecting on her momentous day, Mandhana remained humble. “I just love batting, and I’m happy that I could contribute,” she said during the mid-innings break.
As the cricket world celebrates this monumental feat, it is clear that Mandhana’s historic achievement marks a new chapter in the sport, cementing her legacy as a titan of the game.
