‘It’s Just the Start’: Smriti Mandhana Breaks International Run Record in Record-Breaking Night

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana produced a sensational batting performance against Hong Kong in the Women’s Asia Cup, scoring a blistering 124 off just 64 balls as India secured a place in the semi-finals with a 124-run victory.

Mandhana’s innings was significant not only for India’s emphatic win but also for the number of records she broke during the night.

With her knock, Mandhana surpassed former India captain Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 international runs to become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. She now has 10,880 runs across formats.

Reflecting on the achievement after the match, Mandhana admitted she was unaware of the record while she was batting.

“Till I was batting, I didn't know what record because I didn't know what's the exact runs or all of that,” Mandhana said. “But yeah, looking back, definitely a very good day for Indian cricket.”

Mandhana also paid tribute to Mithali Raj, whom she described as a legend and role model.

“Mithali di has been such a legend and a role model, and we've all grown up watching her bat, so to go past her in the tally of runs is something I definitely never imagined to do,” she said. “But happy that there are two Indians at the top two.”

Mandhana Sets New Century Record

The left-hander also created another major milestone, scoring her 18th international century. She moved past Australia’s Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who have 17 international centuries each.

Mandhana now has 14 ODI centuries, just one behind Lanning’s record, along with two centuries each in Tests and T20Is.

“Going past the international record of the centuries, I mean, 18 is a good number to go past,” Mandhana said