Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in the annals of women's cricket by becoming the highest run‑scorer in the sport’s international history, a feat she achieved with a spectacular century during the Women’s Asia Cup. In the second Group A encounter of the tournament, Mandhana unleashed a blistering knock of 124 runs off just 64 balls, steering India to a commanding 137‑run win over Hong Kong. The Indian side posted a formidable total of 193 for 5 in their allotted twenty overs, and then bowled out the visitors for a modest 56, sealing a comprehensive victory.
That innings not only propelled India to a dominant position in the competition but also marked a personal milestone for Mandhana. The 124‑run effort pushed her cumulative tally across Tests, One‑Day Internationals and Twenty‑20 Internationals to 10,880 runs, allowing her to overtake former captain Mithali Raj as the all‑time leading run‑getter in women’s international cricket.
In doing so, she also surpassed former Australian skipper Meg Lanning in the record books for the most centuries scored at the international level, with this knock representing her 18th century across all formats. Mandhana’s century was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting.
She struck fourteen fours and dispatched seven deliveries for six, showcasing a blend of power and precision that left the Hong Kong bowlers scrambling. When asked about the significance of the achievement in the post‑match press conference, Mandhana admitted she was unaware of the exact record she was breaking until after the innings concluded.
"Until I was batting, I didn't know what record I had broken because I didn't know the exact runs I had made," she said, a modest reflection on a historic moment. She went on to express the emotional weight of surpassing a legend like Mithali Raj. "Looking back, I'd say it was a very good day for Indian cricket. Of course, Mithali has been such a legend and a role model.
We all grew up watching her bat, so to overtake her in the run tally is something I never imagined," Mandhana explained, highlighting the respect she holds for the previous record holder. Mandhana also paid tribute to Meg Lanning, another player she admired growing up. "Two of the legends of the game—Meg Lanning and Mithali Raj—are the people I’ve watched since I was a child.
I’ve tried to incorporate many of their techniques into my own batting, so it feels incredibly rewarding to surpass them in these particular milestones," she added, underscoring how personal and professional inspirations intersected in her achievement. The 30‑year‑old’s journey to this pinnacle began with her debut for India in 2013. Over the years, she has steadily built a reputation for elegance and power at the crease. Last year, she became the first Indian female batter to score a century in a T20 International, a milestone that demonstrated her versatility across formats.
That historic ton was a precursor to her current record‑breaking performance, cementing her status as a trailblazer for Indian women’s cricket. Mithali Raj, who previously held the record with 10,868 runs across all formats, responded warmly on social media.
In a tweet, she congratulated Mandhana, saying, "Well deserved, @mandhana_smriti. I’ve watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you surpass my record and become the highest run‑scorer in international cricket is a moment I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s to many more runs and milestones.
Keep going!" The exchange highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect that characterize the upper echelons of women’s cricket. Looking ahead, Mandhana is poised to cross the 11,000‑run threshold during the ongoing Asia Cup. India’s next fixture is scheduled against Pakistan on Saturday, a match that promises further excitement for fans and an opportunity for Mandhana to extend her lead.
Her continued success not only adds to her personal legacy but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the subcontinent, illustrating what can be achieved through dedication, skill, and a love for the game. Beyond the numbers, Mandhana’s achievement reflects broader trends in women’s cricket, where increasing visibility, professional contracts, and competitive opportunities are elevating the sport’s profile globally. Her record‑breaking century, viewed through this lens, underscores the rapid evolution of the women's game and the growing platform for female athletes to showcase their talent on the world stage. In summary, Smriti Mandhana’s 124‑run blitz against Hong Kong has secured her place at the summit of international women’s cricket, eclipsing both Mithali Raj’s run tally and Meg Lanning’s century count.
Her performance, marked by aggressive strokeplay and strategic acumen, not only propelled India to a decisive victory but also signaled a new era for the sport, where new records are set and new legends are forged.