**India’s Smriti Mandhana Becomes Top Run-Scorer in Women’s Cricket**
*Published on 4 September 2026*
In a remarkable achievement for Indian cricket, Smriti Mandhana has officially become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. The 30-year-old accomplished this milestone during the Women’s Asia Cup held in Dubai, where she scored an impressive 124 runs off just 64 balls in a match against Hong Kong.
Mandhana’s innings not only helped her surpass the previous record held by former Indian captain Mithali Raj, who accumulated a total of 10,868 international runs, but also secured India’s position in the semifinals of the T20 tournament. This performance marks a significant moment in Mandhana's career, as she has consistently been one of the standout players in women’s cricket since her debut in 2013.
In addition to becoming the top run-scorer, Mandhana also set a new record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket, achieving her 18th hundred across all formats. This achievement places her ahead of notable players such as Australia’s Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, both of whom have 17 international centuries to their names.
Following her record-breaking innings, Mandhana expressed her excitement and humility, stating, “It’s just the start.” She emphasized her dedication to the sport and her desire to continue contributing to Indian cricket. Mandhana has previously made history as the first Indian woman to score international centuries in all three formats of the game, having completed her maiden T20 international hundred last year. Her current records include two centuries in Test matches, two in T20 internationals, and a remarkable 14 in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Reflecting on her performance against Hong Kong, Mandhana acknowledged the challenges posed by the opposition's disciplined bowling, particularly during the powerplay. She noted, “They were disciplined in the powerplay, bowled really well and the energy they showed was something we’ll learn from.” Her innings featured an impressive array of shots, including 14 fours and seven sixes, contributing to India’s total of 193 runs for five wickets. In response, Hong Kong was bowled out for just 56 runs, resulting in a comprehensive 137-run victory for India.
Mandhana also took a moment to honor Mithali Raj, referring to her as a “legend and a role model.” This acknowledgment highlights the respect and admiration that current players have for those who have paved the way in women’s cricket.
As Mandhana continues to break records and inspire future generations of cricketers, her achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. With the Women’s Asia Cup semifinals on the horizon, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how she and the Indian team perform in the upcoming matches.