Indian women’s cricket witnessed another historic chapter on Sunday, December 28, 2025, as Smriti Mandhana became only the second Indian woman and the fourth player overall to score 10,000 runs in international cricket. The elegant left-hander achieved the milestone during the fourth T20 International against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium, underlining her status as one of the finest batters of the modern era.
Mandhana reached the landmark in the seventh over of India’s innings, a moment that was met with applause from teammates, fans, and cricket experts worldwide. With this achievement, she joined an elite group that includes Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates, and Charlotte Edwards, legends who have shaped women’s cricket across generations. Among Indians, only Mithali Raj had previously crossed this coveted mark, making Mandhana’s feat even more special.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s journey to 10,000 international runs reflects years of consistency, adaptability, and an aggressive yet graceful batting approach. From red-ball Tests to the fast-paced demands of T20Is, she has mastered every format with remarkable ease.
Her achievement came in a match that perfectly showcased her batting prowess. Against Sri Lanka, Mandhana played a commanding innings, reaching her half-century in just 35 balls during the 12th over. She eventually scored 80 runs off 48 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and three sixes, helping India register their highest-ever team total in women’s T20I cricket-221 for 2.
Smriti Mandhana’s International Career at a Glance
To fully understand the magnitude of Mandhana’s accomplishment, her performances across formats deserve close attention.
Smriti Mandhana-International Runs Breakdown
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 7 | 12 | 629 | 57.18 | 2 | 3 |
| ODIs | 117 | 117 | 5,322 | 48.38 | 14 | 34 |
| T20Is | 157 | 151 | 4,102 | 29.94 | 1 | 32 |
| Total | — | — | 10,053+ | — | 17 | 69 |
Note: Figures updated as of December 28, 2025.
Mandhana’s balance across formats is rare. In Test cricket, she boasts an outstanding average above 57, while in ODIs she ranks among the top run-getters globally. In T20Is, she is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the format, reflecting her longevity and impact at the highest level.
Dominance in T20Is and Record-Breaking Feats
In women’s T20 Internationals, Smriti Mandhana continues to redefine consistency. Her 32 fifty-plus scores in WT20Is are the most by any batter, ahead of stars like Suzie Bates and Beth Mooney, who have 29 each. This consistency at the top of the order has been crucial for India’s success in the shortest format.
Her strike rate of over 124 highlights her ability to score quickly without compromising technique-a quality that separates great batters from good ones.
A Golden Calendar Year for Smriti Mandhana
The year 2025 will go down as one of the finest seasons ever produced by an Indian batter, men or women. Smriti Mandhana dominated world cricket with the bat, especially in the ODI format.
Smriti Mandhana’s ODI Performance in 2025
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 1,362 | 61.90 | 109.92 | 5 | 5 |
She finished the year as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs, combining consistency with breathtaking stroke play. One of the standout moments came against Australia, where Mandhana smashed the fastest ODI century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 50 balls. This knock broke Virat Kohli’s long-standing record of 52 balls, also set against Australia, further underlining her place among cricket’s elite.
World Cup Excellence on the Biggest Stage
Smriti Mandhana’s brilliance extended to the World Cup, where pressure was at its highest. She scored 434 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 54.25, including a century and two half-centuries. Her performances earned her a place as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament.
She delivered when it mattered most, producing crucial innings against top opponents:
- 80 vs Australia
- 88 vs England
- 109 vs New Zealand
- 45 in the World Cup final, where she built a decisive partnership with returning opener Shafali Verma
These innings showcased her temperament, proving she is not just a prolific run-scorer but also a big-match player.
Reaching Another Elite Club: 5,000 ODI Runs
Alongside her 10,000-run international milestone, Smriti Mandhana also crossed 5,000 runs in women’s ODIs, becoming only the fifth player in history to achieve this feat. With 5,322 runs in 117 matches, she continues to climb the all-time charts.
Additionally, Mandhana is now level with Australian legend Meg Lanning for the most international centuries in women’s cricket, with 17 hundreds each-a testament to her ability to convert starts into match-defining scores.
Read also: Indian Women Team Wins 4th T20I by 30 Runs, Takes Unassailable 4-0 Lead Against Sri Lanka
A Legacy Still in the Making
At a time when women’s cricket is enjoying unprecedented global growth, Smriti Mandhana stands as one of its most influential figures. Her success has inspired a generation of young cricketers in India and beyond, while her consistency has helped elevate India’s standing in international women’s cricket.
Reaching 10,000 international runs is not just a personal milestone-it reflects years of discipline, adaptability, and passion for the game. With several peak years still ahead of her, Mandhana’s records may only be a glimpse of what’s yet to come.
As fans across India, the UK, the US, and the wider cricketing world celebrate this historic achievement, one thing is clear: Smriti Mandhana is no longer just a star-she is a legend in the making.
