In a momentous achievement that has electrified the cricketing world, India’s premier batter Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the annals of sporting history by becoming only the second Indian woman to reach 10,000 international runs. The landmark was achieved during the fourth T20 International (T20I) match against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram on December 28, 2025, as part of the ongoing women’s bilateral series.
Mandhana’s achievement places her among the elite in women’s cricket globally — she is now the fourth woman in international cricket history to surpass the 10,000‑run mark across formats, joining legendary names such as Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates, and Charlotte Edwards. Importantly, Mandhana also became the fastest woman ever to reach this historic milestone, doing so in just 281 innings, surpassing former India captain Mithali Raj, who took 291 innings to reach the same landmark.
A Career Milestone and a Historic Knock
Mandhana’s feat came as part of a scintillating performance in the fourth match of the India vs Sri Lanka T20I series, where she scored a fluent 80 runs off 48 balls, punctuated with 11 fours and three sixes. Her innings — characterized by elegant strokeplay and aggressive intent — helped India post a commanding total and displayed why she remains one of the most feared batters in the women’s game.
This landmark was not only a personal triumph but also part of an extraordinary year for Mandhana. In 2025 alone, she finished as one of the leading run‑scorers across formats, including a record‑breaking run in ODIs where she amassed over 1,300 runs and laid claim to being one of the sport’s most prolific batters.
Career Highlights at a Glance
Smriti Mandhana’s notable career figures (approximate across formats):
- Tests: 629 runs in 7 matches, average ~57.18 with two centuries.
- ODIs: 5,322+ runs in 117 matches, including 14 centuries.
- T20Is: 4,100+ runs in 157 matches with over 30 half‑centuries.
These figures not only underscore her remarkable consistency but also position her as a future candidate to challenge Mithali Raj’s all‑time international run‑scoring record. Currently, Raj leads with 10,868 runs, and Mandhana — despite being the second Indian on the list — has closed the gap significantly with her rapid accumulation of runs.
Broader Impact on Women’s Cricket
Mandhana’s milestone extends beyond individual accolades. Her achievement symbolizes the growing global prominence of women’s cricket, inspiring a new generation of athletes, especially in India — a nation where the women’s game has seen exponential growth in viewership, participation, and investment over the past decade. Her performance also arrives at a crucial moment as teams prepare for major ICC events in 2026, further elevating expectations and excitement around the sport.
Statistical Leaderboard — Women’s International Run‑Getters
| Rank | Player | Country | Approx. Runs | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mithali Raj | India | 10,868 | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| 2 | Suzie Bates | NZ | 10,652 | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| 3 | Charlotte Edwards | ENG | 10,273 | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| 4 | Smriti Mandhana | India | 10,000+ | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
The Road Ahead
As Mandhana continues her career, all eyes will be on whether she can break the all‑time run‑scoring record and possibly lead India to further global success. With the sport’s growth trajectory and her own prolific form, this achievement could well be the first of many historic milestones.
Smriti Mandhana’s rise not only honours her individual excellence but also heralds a bold new era for women’s cricket, one defined by fierce competition, global appeal, and inspiring leadership on the field.
