Smriti Mandhana: A Trailblazer in Women’s Cricket Surpasses 9,000 International Runs

The vibrant greens of Kennington Oval in London bore witness to a historic moment as Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana elegantly drove the ball to long off, forever inscribing her name in the illustrious history of cricket.

Smriti Mandhana Achieves the Milestone of 9,000 International Runs, Joining Mithali Raj as the 2nd Indian Woman to Do So
Smriti Mandhana Achieves the Milestone of 9,000 International Runs, Joining Mithali Raj as the 2nd Indian Woman to Do So

During the thrilling 3rd T20I where India faced England, Mandhana’s single off Charlie Dean marked not just a run, but a significant milestone—her entry into the elite club of cricketers with 9,000 international runs. She now stands as the second Indian woman, following the legendary Mithali Raj, to reach this feat. Smriti’s journey, which began in 2013, is a testament to her relentless spirit and incredible skill.

Mandhana’s journey in One Day Internationals (ODIs) commenced on April 10, 2013, against Bangladesh in Ahmedabad. Over the past twelve years, she has solidified her position as a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup in the 50-over format.

With a remarkable tally of 4,473 runs in just 102 innings, her stellar average of 46.59 and a strike rate of 87.79 exemplify her consistency and ability to accelerate the game. Mandhana has scored an impressive 31 half-centuries and 11 centuries, with her highest score being a breathtaking 136 against South Africa at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June 2024. Her skill to anchor innings while ensuring a brisk scoring pace makes her an indispensable player in ODIs.

With her tall stance and impeccable timing, Mandhana is a nightmare for bowlers around the globe. Her ODI performances not only secure victories for India but also ignite aspirations in young cricketers everywhere.

While ODIs highlight her consistency, her T20 International (T20I) career showcases her audacity. Since her debut against Bangladesh on April 5, 2013, few anticipated the explosive impact she would have in the game’s shortest format. With 3,942 runs in 145 innings, at an average of 30.09 and an impressive strike rate of 124.15, she has recorded 31 half-centuries, including a spectacular maiden T20I century.

Her defining moment arrived in the first T20I of the ongoing series against England, where she elegantly scored her maiden T20I century with a phenomenal 112 off 62 balls at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. This achievement made her the first Indian woman to hit centuries in all three formats of the game. That innings, filled with 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, was not just a personal victory but a significant statement about the aspirations of Indian women’s cricket on a global scale. In the 3rd T20I at the Oval, she continued her stellar form, scoring a gritty 56 off 49 balls in a challenging chase, further underscoring her relentless pursuit of runs.

Despite limited opportunities in Test cricket, Mandhana has made every appearance count since her debut at Wormsley on August 13, 2014, against England. In just 12 innings, her performance speaks volumes, with 629 runs at an impressive average of 57.18 and a strike rate of 63.72. Her Test record includes three half-centuries and two centuries, the latest being a masterful 149 off 161 balls against South Africa at Chennai’s Chepauk on June 28, 2024. This innings beautifully blended patience and aggression, solidifying her status in the most challenging format of the game.

Mandhana’s achievement transcends mere statistics; it embodies her transformative impact on the game. As the Indian vice-captain, she has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, both on and off the field. Her partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur and her mentorship of budding talents exemplify the spirit of modern Indian women’s cricket: bold, progressive, and world-class.

Her remarkable 9,000 runs symbolize not just personal success but the breaking of numerous barriers. She is the first Indian woman to score centuries in all formats—a feat that is rare even in men’s cricket. Each milestone she achieves represents a significant leap for Indian women’s cricket, encouraging millions of young girls to take up the sport.

As the thrilling white-ball series between England and India continues, Mandhana’s thirst for runs and accolades remains unquenched. With India leading the T20I series 2-1 and her in remarkable form, the summer promises even more spectacular moments. Regardless of what lies ahead, reaching 9,000 international runs is a powerful affirmation that Smriti Mandhana is not just rewriting records; she is shaping the future of Indian women’s cricket.

From her debut in Vadodara to becoming a global icon in London, Smriti Mandhana’s journey is a celebration of talent, perseverance, and grace. With every milestone she achieves, she reminds us that the best is yet to come.