Colombo: India opener Smriti Mandhana added another major milestone to her decorated international career after moving into second place on the all-time list of leading run-scorers in women’s international cricket during India’s opening match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
Mandhana overtook New Zealand great Suzie Bates after scoring 19 runs from 10 deliveries against Thailand. She struck four boundaries before being dismissed by run-out. India went on to secure a comprehensive 94-run victory, posting 159 before bowling Thailand out for 65.
Mandhana Closing in on Mithali Raj
The latest landmark has put Mandhana within 112 runs of former India captain Mithali Raj’s all-time international record. Mithali ended her career with 10,868 runs across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, while Mandhana’s tally has now reached 10,756.
Bates, who previously occupied second position, has slipped to third with 10,740 runs. With the Women’s Asia Cup still in progress, Mandhana has an opportunity to close the gap further and potentially surpass Mithali’s long-standing record.
The narrow margins among the leading run-scorers underline the significance of Mandhana’s achievement and her consistency across formats.
Impressive Record Across Formats
Mandhana’s rise has been powered by substantial contributions in all three international formats.
In women’s T20Is, she has accumulated 4,557 runs from 166 innings in 172 appearances, averaging 30.17 with a strike rate of 125.36. Her T20I record includes one century and 35 half-centuries.
Her ODI numbers have been equally impressive. In 120 matches, Mandhana has scored 5,411 runs at an average of 47.88, including 14 centuries and 35 fifties.
In Test cricket, she has scored 788 runs in 16 innings across nine appearances at an average of 52.53. Her Test record includes two centuries and five half-centuries.
India Begin Asia Cup Campaign with Convincing Win
India also made a strong start to their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a 94-run victory over Thailand.
Shafali Verma produced an aggressive half-century and was named Player of the Match as India posted 159. The Indian bowling attack then restricted Thailand to just 65 runs.
Nandani Sharma and Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets each. Deepti also produced a remarkable spell, taking three wickets without conceding a run, while reaching the milestone of becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20I cricket.
India’s emphatic opening victory has provided an early boost to their tournament campaign, while Mandhana’s latest batting landmark has added another significant chapter to her international career.
With the all-time record now within reach, attention will remain on Mandhana’s performances in the matches ahead and whether she can overtake Mithali Raj during the ongoing Asia Cup.
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