Smriti Mandhana Makes History as Women's Cricket All-Time Leading Run-Scorer

India's batting superstar Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in the history books by becoming the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket. The milestone was achieved after she smashed a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls during the Women's Asia Cup in Dubai.

During her match-winning innings against Hong Kong on Thursday, Mandhana overtook former India captain Mithali Raj, who previously held the top international spot with 10,868 runs. The stellar performance also secured India's place in the semifinals of the T20 tournament.

In addition to the run-scoring record, the 30-year-old became the leading century-maker in women's international cricket, recording her 18th hundred across formats. This feat allowed her to surpass Australia's Meg Lanning and South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, who both hold 17 centuries.

Reflecting on her achievement, the India vice-captain remarked, “It’s just the start.” Mandhana, who made her India debut in 2013, previously became the first Indian woman to score international centuries in all three formats. Her impressive resume now includes two centuries each in Tests and T20Is alongside 14 in one-day internationals.

“Until I was batting, I didn’t know what record, because I didn’t know what’s the exact runs,” Mandhana stated to Indian sports outlet Sportstar, adding, “A very good day for Indian cricket, I would say.” She also paid tribute to Mithali Raj, describing her as a “legend and a role model.”

Mandhana’s dominant knock featured 14 fours and seven sixes, helping India post a total of 193-5 before bowling out Hong Kong for just 56 runs to claim a resounding 137-run victory. She acknowledged that Hong Kong’s disciplined bowling made things difficult early on and dedicated her historic achievement to her family.