Smriti Mandhana Breaks Mithali Raj's Record, Becomes Leading Run-Getter in Women's International Cricket
Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has made history, surpassing legendary Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across all formats.
Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the annals of cricket history on Thursday, September 3, 2026, by becoming the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket. The elegant left-hander surpassed compatriot and former captain Mithali Raj's long-standing record during a sensational innings in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 Group A clash against Hong Kong at the Dubai International Stadium. Mandhana's incredible performance saw her not only claim the top spot but also shatter several other significant milestones in the same match. Chamari Athapaththu Hat-Trick Video: Sri Lankan Captain Takes Record-Breaking 7 For 5 Against Indonesia in Women's Asia Cup 2026.
Smriti Mandhana Rewrites History
🚨 Record Alert 🚨
Smriti Mandhana is now the leading run-getter in women's internationals 🫡🫡
She surpasses former #TeamIndia captain Mithali Raj 👏👏#WomensAsiaCup | #INDvHK pic.twitter.com/qqxNYJcunz
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) September 3, 2026
Record-Breaking Innings in Dubai
The 30-year-old Mandhana, born on July 18, 1996, arrived at the crease needing a significant contribution to overhaul Raj's tally of 10,868 runs. She delivered a masterclass, smashing a breathtaking 124 runs off just 64 balls, an innings studded with 14 fours and 7 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 193.75. This explosive knock propelled her career aggregate to 10,880 runs, firmly placing her at the summit of women's international run-scorers. India posted a formidable total of 193/5, largely thanks to Mandhana's heroics.
Beyond becoming the leading run-scorer, Mandhana's innings against Hong Kong also saw her achieve numerous other records:
- Most International Centuries: Her 18th international century surpassed former Australia captain Meg Lanning's record of 17.
- Highest Individual Score in Women's Asia Cup: Her 124-run knock is now the highest individual score in the tournament's history, eclipsing Chamari Athapaththu's unbeaten 119 in 2024.
- Highest Indian Score in WT20Is: The 124 runs also mark the highest individual score by an Indian batter in Women's T20 Internationals, surpassing her own previous best of 112 against England in 2025.
- Multiple WT20I Centuries: Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score multiple centuries in WT20I cricket.
- Most 50-plus Scores: She also drew level with Mithali Raj for the joint-most 50-plus scores in women's internationals, with 93 such innings. India Named New Hosts for Inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027.
A Legacy Continues
Mithali Raj, who retired from all forms of international cricket on June 8, 2022, had held the record for most international runs with 10,868 across formats. Her illustrious career spanned over two decades, making her a trailblazer in women's cricket. The baton has now been gracefully passed to Mandhana, a player often lauded for her elegant yet aggressive style. Raj herself extended her congratulations, stating, "Well done, Smriti Mandhana! It is truly a proud moment for me to see you break my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket."
Mandhana's consistent performances and ability to dominate bowling attacks have made her a global cricketing icon. This new milestone further solidifies her position as one of the game's modern greats and a pivotal figure for Indian women's cricket on the world stage.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2026 08:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
