Aichi-Nagoya, Sept 21:
India opener Smriti Mandhana created another landmark in women’s cricket by becoming the leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals during India’s Asian Games semi-final against Bangladesh.
Mandhana needed seven runs to move past New Zealand great Suzie Bates’ previous tally of 4,758 runs. She reached the landmark early in her innings and finished with 37 off 19 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Her record-breaking innings came as India secured a place in the Asian Games gold medal match.
Mandhana’s latest achievement adds to an extraordinary year for the left-hander. She had earlier surpassed Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket across formats. She also produced a century against Hong Kong in the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
The Indian vice-captain has been one of the leading figures in India’s white-ball batting line-up since making her international debut in 2013. Her latest record places her ahead of Bates on the Women’s T20I run-scoring chart, with Harmanpreet Kaur also among the leading run-getters.
Mandhana’s record came on a memorable day for Indian women’s cricket, with Shafali Verma scoring an unbeaten century as India defeated Bangladesh by 114 runs to enter the Asian Games final. India will face Sri Lanka in the gold medal match.