Mandhana joins Mithali Raj in elite list with 7000 international runs

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 16, 2024 17:29 IST

India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 7000 international runs across all formats during the first ODI against South Africa at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Mandhana's fighting hundred was crucial in the match, showcasing her consistency and resilience. Mandhana, known for her elegant stroke play and solid technique, reached this landmark with a gritty 56-run knock. This achievement places her in an elite group of Indian women cricketers, making her the second-highest run-scorer for India in international cricket. She is only behind former captain Mithali Raj, who boasts 10868 runs.

Teammate and current captain Harmanpreet Kaur is not far behind, having amassed 6870 runs across all formats, making her the third-highest run-scorer for India. Kaur’s proximity to the 7000-run mark indicates India's strong batting lineup in the women's cricket arena. The match against South Africa, the first of a three-match ODI series, saw India battling against a formidable bowling attack. Mandhana scored her sixth ODI century, lifting the Indian women's cricket team from a precarious 99 for five to a competitive 265 for eight against South Africa in the opening match of their three-game series on Sunday.

Mandhana's experience and composure under pressure were evident as she built crucial partnerships to guide India towards a competitive total. India, having elected to bat, found themselves in a tight spot with half the side dismissed for barely 100 runs. Mandhana (117 off 127 balls) forged a crucial 81-run fifth-wicket partnership with Deepti Sharma (37), stabilizing the innings. Additionally, she contributed to a 58-run stand with Pooja Vastrakar (31 not out) before being dismissed by Masabata Klaas.