In Durban, Smriti Mandhana, vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, achieved a milestone by becoming India’s all-time leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals. This occurred in the opening game of a five-match T20I series against South Africa Women on Friday. Mandhana eclipsed the record previously held by Rohit Sharma, captain of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team.
Mandhana has now tallied 4,244 runs across 155 innings in 161 matches, with an average of 30.31 and a strike rate of 124.38. Her record includes one century and 33 half-centuries, establishing her as a key performer for India in this format.
Entering the contest level with Sharma at 4,231 runs, Mandhana contributed 13 runs from 14 deliveries to reach her new total.
Globally, Mandhana ranks second among women in T20I runs, trailing only Suzie Bates, who has 4,717 runs from 175 innings. In the men’s category, Babar Azam of Pakistan leads with 4,596 runs from 136 innings.
In the match, South Africa Women secured a six-wicket victory over India. Pursuing a target of 158, Laura Wolvaardt scored 51 to guide the innings, while Annerie Dercksen finished unbeaten on 44.
India reached 157 for 7, thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 47, along with 34 from Shafali Verma and 36 from Jemimah Rodrigues. However, a sluggish end limited their score.
South Africa’s bowlers performed well, with Ayabonga Khaka claiming 3 for 16, Tumi Sekhukhune taking 2 for 27, and Nonkululeko Mlaba securing 1 for 30.
The teams are scheduled to play again on Sunday at Kingsmead in Durban.
