India's star opener Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in cricket history by becoming the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket for India, overtaking the legendary Mithali Raj. Mandhana achieved this monumental feat during her breathtaking knock of 124 runs against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup.
- Smriti Mandhana scored a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup.
- With this knock, Mandhana surpassed legendary batter Mithali Raj to become India's leading run-scorer in women's international cricket.
- Mandhana also became the first Indian woman to score two T20I centuries, guiding India to the tournament's semi-finals.
Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has permanently etched her name into the annals of cricket history. During a sensational group-stage encounter against Hong Kong China in the Women's Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Mandhana played a breathtaking innings of 124 runs off just 64 deliveries. This masterpiece not only propelled India to a massive victory but also saw her overtake her childhood idol and legendary former captain, Mithali Raj, as India's highest run-scorer in women's international cricket.
Mandhana entered the match needing a strong performance to cement India's semi-final spot, but she ended up rewriting the record books. By crossing Mithali Raj's previous aggregate of 10,868 international runs, Mandhana reached a peak that few imagined would be scaled so quickly. In a heartfelt post-match interview released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mandhana expressed her disbelief and humility, stating she had never imagined surpassing an icon like "Mithali-di," whom she grew up idolizing.
The historic knock was a masterclass in modern T20 batting, featuring 14 boundaries and seven towering sixes. Mandhana's 124 is now the highest individual score in the history of the Women's T20 Asia Cup. This was also her 18th international century across formats, pushing her past contemporary greats like Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, who both sit on 17 centuries.
| Player | Total International Runs | T20I Centuries | Highest T20I Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 10,900+ | 2 | 124 |
| Mithali Raj | 10,868 | 0 | 97* |
Why This Matters
A detailed BozokMedia analysis shows that Mandhana's evolution from an elegant timer of the ball to a brutal power-hitter reflects the broader transition of women's cricket in India. Her ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a strike rate of nearly 200 in extreme Dubai heat—which she compared to a "steam box"—demonstrates the world-class athletic standards now expected in the women's game. This milestone solidifies India's dominant position on the global stage ahead of upcoming ICC events.
"Smriti Mandhana’s achievement is not just a personal milestone, but a passing of the torch that signifies the rapid, aggressive evolution of Indian women's cricket on the world stage."
The opener's explosive performance guided India to a formidable total of 193 for five. In response, the Indian bowling attack dismantled Hong Kong's batting lineup, bowling them out for a paltry 56 runs in 16.2 overs to secure a massive 137-run victory. This dominant win officially made India the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing Women's Asia Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Smriti Mandhana's highest score in Women's T20Is?
A1: Her highest score in Women's T20Is is 124 runs, which she scored against Hong Kong China during the Women's Asia Cup in September 2026.
Q2: Whose run-scoring record did Smriti Mandhana break?
A2: Mandhana broke the long-standing record of legendary Indian batter Mithali Raj, who scored 10,868 international runs during her illustrious career.
