Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana etched her name into cricketing history by surpassing a 26-year-old record during India’s crucial Women’s World Cup clash against South Africa. The left-handed opener scored 23 runs from 33 balls, hitting one boundary and a six, which took her tally for the year to an astounding 973 runs in One Day Internationals.
With that, Mandhana overtook the legendary Australian batter Belinda Clark, who had set the previous record of 970 runs back in 1997 — a mark that had stood unchallenged for over two decades. Mandhana’s consistency and dominance in the ODI format have made her one of the most reliable batters in women’s cricket, and this latest achievement further cements her status as a modern great.
Dominant Performances Leading to the Milestone
Mandhana’s journey to this record has been marked by sheer determination and consistent performances throughout 2025. Before the start of the World Cup, she had already accumulated 928 runs in just 14 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 66.28 and a blistering strike rate of 115.85. Her performances have been a blend of controlled aggression and elegant shot selection, often setting the tone for India’s innings at the top.
However, the World Cup has not been her most fluent campaign so far, as she has managed just 54 runs in three matches, averaging 18 with a strike rate of 72.97. Despite the minor dip in form, her earlier heroics ensured that she still etched her name in the record books — a testament to her remarkable consistency over the calendar year.
The Road Ahead: Eyeing Another Historic Feat
Even after reaching this significant milestone, Mandhana’s hunger for records is far from over. With five league games still left in the tournament, she has a golden opportunity to become the first woman in history to cross 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year. Achieving that would not only highlight her personal brilliance but also serve as an inspiring chapter in Indian women’s cricket.
Her performances have already played a crucial role in strengthening India’s campaign at the World Cup, and her ability to perform under pressure continues to make her the backbone of India’s batting lineup. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Smriti Mandhana — the woman rewriting history, one inning at a time.
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