In a historic feat during the Asia Cup in Dubai, Smriti Mandhana overtook Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket history.
- Smriti Mandhana surpassed Mithali Raj's tally of 10,868 international runs.
- She scored a blistering 124 runs off 64 balls against Hong Kong.
- Mandhana now holds the record for the most international centuries in women's cricket (18).
A monumental shift has occurred in the landscape of women's cricket. During India's Asia Cup clash against Hong Kong in Dubai, Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the history books by overtaking the legendary Mithali Raj as the leading run-scorer in international women's cricket.
Mandhana's journey to the summit was marked by a masterclass innings where she smashed 124 runs from just 64 deliveries. In doing so, she moved past Mithali Raj's long-standing record of 10,868 runs. This achievement marks the passing of the torch from the pioneer who brought Indian women's cricket to the world stage to the modern-day icon who is redefining excellence.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Mandhana's ascent is not just about numbers, but about the evolution of the game's tempo. While Mithali Raj provided the stability and foundation for Indian cricket during its formative years, Mandhana represents the aggressive, high-strike-rate era of the modern game. Her ability to combine elegance with devastating power makes her a generational talent.
Smriti Mandhana's batting is a fine art, reminiscent of the grace seen in legends like David Gower.
Furthermore, Mandhana has set a new benchmark for consistency by recording her 18th international century. This feat places her ahead of former Australian captain Meg Lanning and South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, making her the most prolific century-maker in the history of the women's international game.
Historical Background
Mithali Raj was the cornerstone of Indian women's cricket for decades, often carrying the team's hopes single-handedly when the sport lacked mainstream recognition. Smriti Mandhana, nurtured by a competitive upbringing, has taken that platform and elevated it to unprecedented heights of commercial and sporting success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How many runs did Smriti Mandhana score to break the record?
Answer: She scored 124 runs off 64 balls during the match against Hong Kong.
Question 2: Who previously held the record for most international centuries?
Answer: Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt held the record with 17 centuries each before Mandhana reached 18.