Mandhana breaks Mithali Raj’s record to become top run-scorer in women’s international cricket

Smriti Mandhana rewrote the record books on Thursday, surpassing legendary former India captain Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket across formats while smashing a blistering century against Hong Kong in the Women’s Asia Cup. Mandhana hammered 124 off just 64 balls as India piled up 193 for five in their Group A encounter at the Dubai International Stadium. Her innings, studded with 14 fours and seven sixes, also took her past former Australia captain Meg Lanning for the most centuries in women’s international cricket.

Mandhana entered the tournament closing in on Mithali’s long-standing tally of 10,868 international runs. She had already overtaken New Zealand great Suzie Bates during India’s opening match against Thailand to move into second place on the all-time list. Against Hong Kong, the 30-year-old went one better, passing Mithali during the 18th over to take sole possession of the record.

Mithali's record broken

Mandhana reached the landmark in her 303rd international innings, considerably quicker than Mithali, whose celebrated 23-year international career ended in 2022. Mithali retired with 10,868 runs across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, a benchmark that had stood as the highest aggregate in women’s international cricket.

Mandhana’s record-breaking night also saw her reach another major milestone. She completed her 18th international hundred during the 17th over, moving past Lanning’s tally of 17 centuries. It was Mandhana’s second T20I century and made her only the second batter after Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu to score a hundred in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup. The left-hander took time to settle before accelerating dramatically. She shared a 74-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who struck 28 off 17 balls, giving India a solid platform.

Hong Kong attempted to keep Mandhana away from her preferred scoring areas by bowling a wide line, but the Indian opener repeatedly found gaps and attacked both sides of the wicket.

Mandhana powers India

Mandhana brought up her century in 57 balls, cutting Marina Lamplough through the backward-point region for four. She had been handed a reprieve shortly before the milestone when a chance at deep mid-wicket was put down. She capitalised fully on the opportunity, continuing to attack before eventually finishing with 124.

Pratika Rawal, playing her debut T20I series, made 10 off 12 balls after coming in at No. 3, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 10 off nine. Richa Ghosh contributed 11 off 13 as India lost wickets while pushing for quick runs towards the end. The innings capped a historic evening for Mandhana, who now sits alone at the summit of two of women’s cricket’s most significant batting lists — most international runs and most international centuries.