Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Setting Achievement
In the latest match against Sri Lanka at Thiruvananthapuram on December 28, 2025, Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the fourth woman to surpass 10,000 international runs. This remarkable feat places her in a distinguished group alongside Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates, and Charlotte Edwards. The Indian vice-captain achieved this milestone in just 281 innings, the fastest among her peers. Her consistent performance underlines her status as one of the leading lights in women’s cricket.
Mandhana’s achievement reflects not only longevity but also sustained excellence across formats. Reaching such a landmark in fewer innings than any other woman before her highlights the impact she has had at the top of the order for India Women over the last decade.
Smriti Mandhana’s Performance and Partnerships
Mandhana, who needed 27 runs to reach this landmark against Sri Lanka, successfully reached it with a deft single off left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage. She went on to score a commanding 80 runs off 48 balls, contributing significantly to India’s comprehensive 30-run victory in the fourth T20I. Her stellar innings included three sixes, allowing her to overtake Harmanpreet Kaur as India’s leading six-hitter in T20 internationals.
Additionally, she shared a prolific 162-run opening stand with Shafali Verma, marking the highest partnership for India in T20Is for any wicket. The partnership showcased a blend of Mandhana’s elegance and controlled aggression with Verma’s power-hitting, overwhelming Sri Lanka’s bowling attack from the outset.
Smriti Mandhana’s Prolific Year in International Cricket
This milestone crowns a spectacular year for Mandhana, who also became the first woman to score 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year during India’s Women’s World Cup campaign, finishing with 1,362 runs. She added five ODI centuries to her credit this year, matching the records held by South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt.
Her consistency across conditions and oppositions has made her the standout batter of the year in women’s international cricket. Whether anchoring innings or accelerating during powerplays, Mandhana’s adaptability has been central to India Women’s success.
Smriti Mandhana’s Historic T20I Records
Earlier in the same series, Mandhana remarkably passed the 4,000-run mark in women’s T20Is, trailing only behind Suzie Bates, who boasts 4,716 runs. Such achievements underscore her resilience and talent in maintaining top performance across formats, cementing her status within the echelon of all-time great women’s cricketers.
Her ability to score heavily while maintaining a high strike rate has made her indispensable in the shortest format. Mandhana’s dominance against spin, in particular, has been a defining feature of her T20I career.
Smriti Mandhana’s Role in India Women’s Batting Evolution
Over the years, Smriti Mandhana has become the cornerstone of India Women’s batting unit. Opening the innings, she sets the tempo early, allowing the middle order to play with freedom. Her left-handed presence also brings balance to the lineup, disrupting opposition bowling plans.
Mandhana’s technical soundness, combined with her range of strokes through the off side, has helped redefine how India approach powerplay overs in women’s cricket.
Smriti Mandhana’s Leadership and Influence
Beyond the runs, Mandhana’s influence extends into leadership. As vice-captain, she plays a key role in guiding younger players, setting professional standards, and maintaining composure in high-pressure moments. Her calm presence has been especially valuable during transitional phases for India Women.
Teammates and coaches alike have frequently credited her work ethic and preparation as benchmarks for aspiring cricketers.
Smriti Mandhana’s Place Among the All-Time Greats
Crossing 10,000 international runs places Smriti Mandhana firmly among the legends of the women’s game. Doing so faster than icons like Mithali Raj and Charlotte Edwards adds further weight to the achievement. With several prime years still ahead of her, Mandhana is well-positioned to climb even higher on the all-time run charts.
As women’s cricket continues to grow globally, Mandhana’s performances stand as a symbol of consistency, excellence, and modern batting brilliance.
When it comes to cricket betting, VIPJEE’s pre-match insights often mirror the actual flow of the game.
For more details on her achievements, visit the full report on ESPNcricinfo.
