Smriti Mandhana breaks record surpasses Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, becomes India’s leading T20I run-scorer

Team India opening batter Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the record books during the first women's T20 International against South Africa. The left-hander surpassed legendary cricketer Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer representing India in the shortest format of the game in international cricket.

South Africa defeated India by six wickets during the series opener at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, April 17. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a crucial knock of 51 runs off 39 balls, guiding the home side during the run chase. South Africa completed the 158-run target with five deliveries remaining.

Before the match, Smriti Mandhana was level with Rohit Sharma for the most T20I runs for India. Rohit had ended his career with 4,231 runs, including five centuries and 32 half-centuries, before retiring after India’s 2024 World Cup triumph.

Mandhana had a relatively quiet outing, scoring 13 runs from 14 deliveries, including one six, before being dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka. The 28-year-old still managed to surpass Rohit Sharma and break the long-standing national record.

After the match, Mandhana has 4,244 runs from 161 appearances at an average of 30.53 and a strike rate of 124.45, with 33 half-centuries and one century.

Smriti Mandhana moved to third place among global run-scorers across both men’s and women’s T20 internationals. New Zealand veteran Suzie Bates holds the women’s record with 4,717 runs in 175 innings during her international career.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam is at the top in the men’s charts with 4,596 runs in 136 innings. With Bates nearing 38 and Babar Azam facing selection uncertainty, the 28-year-old Indian vice-captain has a strong chance to challenge the global record in the coming years.

Shafali Verma gave India an explosive start by scoring 34 runs from 20 deliveries. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 47 off 33 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a valuable 36-run knock. They helped India post a total of 157 for the loss of seven wickets.

Ayabonga Khaka delivered an excellent bowling performance, picking up three crucial wickets while conceding 16 runs. Tumi Sekhukhune also impressed by breaking key partnerships and claiming two important wickets, preventing the Indian batting lineup from reaching a more challenging total.

During the chase, Laura Wolvaardt led from the front and attacked during the power play. Annerie Dercksen stayed unbeaten on 44 from 34 deliveries, guiding South Africa to a comfortable six-wicket win and helping the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series.

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