Smriti Mandhana Shatters Mithali Raj’s Record; Claims Top Spot In This Rare Feat

Smriti Mandhana breaks Mithali Raj's record [source: @NILUxPATEL/X.com]

India star cricketer Smriti Mandhana put on a dazzling show during the third and final Women’s T20I match between India and West Indies on Thursday, December 19 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy. The left-handed batter smashed 77 runs off just 47 balls, hitting 13 fours and one six in the series decider.

Mandhana’s consistency was evident throughout the series. She scored 54 runs in both the first and second T20Is, showcasing her class even though India lost the second match. In the final game, her brilliant innings, combined with Jemimah Rodrigues’ 39 off 28 balls, helped India post a mammoth total of 217/4. This total became India’s highest-ever score in Women’s T20Is, surpassing their 201/5 against the UAE in the Women’s Asia Cup earlier this year.

Smriti Breaks Mithali Raj’s Record

Smriti’s stunning 77-run knock also helped her break Mithali Raj’s long-standing record for the most runs in a bilateral T20I series by an Indian batter. Mithali had scored 192 runs in a five-match series against South Africa in 2018. Mandhana went one run better, finishing the three-match series against West Indies with 193 runs.

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In addition, Smriti achieved another milestone by scoring half-centuries in all three matches of the series. This consistency helped her surpass New Zealand’s Suzie Bates for the most 50+ scores in Women’s T20Is.

Most Runs In A Bilateral T20I Series For India

Smriti Mandhana also climbed to the No. 1 spot for the most T20I runs scored in a calendar year. She has amassed an impressive 763 runs in 23 matches in 2024, further cementing her status as one of the best batters in women’s cricket.

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