Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Woman to Reach 11,000 Runs

On September 22, 2026, Smriti Mandhana made history by becoming the first woman to surpass 11,000 international runs in cricket during the Asian Games women's cricket final held in Nisshin, Japan. As India's vice-captain, Mandhana's achievement marks a significant milestone in women's cricket, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. Requiring only 13 runs to reach this milestone, she accomplished it with 10 balls to spare, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in international cricket. The Asian Games final featured India facing Sri Lanka, a rematch of their recent Women’s Asia Cup final. Mandhana entered the game with an impressive track record, having already made significant contributions across various formats. With 788 runs in Tests, 5411 runs in One Day Internationals, and over 4800 runs in T20 Internationals, her performance has placed her among the highest scorers in women's cricket. This achievement not only highlights her individual prowess but also emphasizes the growth of women's cricket on a global scale.

Mandhana's performance in the final was pivotal, as she scored 79 runs off 45 balls, contributing to India's total of 217 runs, the highest ever in an Asian Games gold medal match. Alongside Shafali Verma, who scored 48 runs, they formed a formidable opening partnership of 99 runs. This partnership also set a record for the most runs scored by any women's pair in T20I cricket, with a total of 4000 runs together. Their collaboration exemplifies the strength of the current Indian women's cricket team. In addition to her individual records, Mandhana shares the record for the most centuries in international cricket with Australia's Meg Lanning, with both players having 17 centuries each. This achievement places her on the brink of surpassing Lanning, showcasing the competitive spirit in women’s cricket.

As India celebrates their second consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games, the impact of Mandhana's achievements resonates beyond individual accolades, highlighting the progress and recognition of women's sports. Looking ahead, Mandhana's future in cricket remains promising as she continues to break records and inspire young athletes. Her journey reflects the growing popularity of women's cricket and the increasing support for female athletes worldwide. As more opportunities arise for women in sports, Mandhana's legacy will undoubtedly pave the way for future generations, making her an icon not just in India but across the globe.