Smriti Mandhana becomes batter with most WODI runs in a year; Check out top 5

Jatin

Smriti Mandhana has been at her best in 2025 [Source: @BCCIWomen/x.com]Smriti Mandhana has been at her best in 2025 [Source: @BCCIWomen/x.com]

Smriti Mandhana just can’t stop making history. During India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against South Africa in Vizag on Thursday, the stylish left-hander smashed her way past a 27-year-old record: the most runs scored by a woman in a single calendar year in ODIs.

The record, previously held by Australian legend Belinda Clark, now belongs to Smriti Mandhana, who has been in sensational form throughout 2025. A six over long-on off Ayabonga Khaka in the eighth over pushed Mandhana past Clark’s tally of 970 runs from 1997.

Though she fell soon after for 23, continuing her run of decent starts without big conversions in the tournament, the milestone stands tall. With 982 runs in 17 innings so far this year, Mandhana has officially entered record books. Let’s take a look at the top 5 batters with the most runs in a single calendar year in Women’s ODIs.

5. Amy Satterthwaite (New Zealand, 2016): 853 runs

When you talk about consistency, Amy Satterthwaite’s 2016 stands out as a season of pure class. The elegant left-hander was the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup as she amassed 853 runs in 14 innings at an incredible average of 85.30.

What made her run truly special was her ability to anchor long innings which is evidenced by her three hundreds and four fifties with a best of 137* against Pakistan. That year, she made batting look effortless. Satterthwaite didn’t just pile up runs; she became the glue that held her team together whenever the top order stumbled.

4. Debbie Hockley (New Zealand, 1997): 880 runs

Before the modern power era, Debbie Hockley was redefining what dominance looked like in women’s cricket. In 1997, she had a phenomenal run as she notche 880 runs in 16 matches at a stunning average of 62.85. With two centuries and six half-centuries, Hockley’s form was key in New Zealand’s strong showing that year, especially in the run-up to the 1997 World Cup.

Her best knock of 100* that year came against Sri Lanka that showcased her flawless timing and class. What made Hockley so tough to bowl at was her patience as she knew when to defend, when to attack and when to turn the screws on tired bowlers. It was batting with brains and bravery rolled into one.

3. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa, 2022): 882 runs

Few players can make batting look as effortless as Laura Wolvaardt. The South African skipper had a dream year in 2022 when she smashed 882 runs in 18 innings at a brilliant average of 49.00. With one hundred and eight fifties, Wolvaardt became South Africa’s run machine that year.

Her best of 117 off 127 balls that year came against West Indies in a game which they won by 96 runs. What made her run special was how often she stood tall when her team needed her most.

2. Belinda Clark (Australia, 1997): 970 runs

Long before the likes of Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry, it was Belinda Clark who set the standard for Australian batting dominance. In 1997, she went on a rampage as she scored 970 runs in just 14 innings at a staggering average of 80.83.

Her unbeaten 229* (first-ever double hundred in an ODI) against Denmark in the Women’s World Cup 1997 remains the second-highest individual score in women’s ODIs. Clark’s numbers from that year read like an absolute dream: three hundreds, four fifties and a strike rate of 98.11. What made her legendary was her ability to make big runs look routine.

1. Smriti Mandhana (India, 2025): 982 runs and counting

At just 29, Smriti Mandhana has written her name among the greats. With 982 runs in 17 innings, an average of 57.76 and a strike rate of 112.22, she is batting on a different wavelength this year. From her graceful cover drives to those fearless lofted sixes, Mandhana has been the heartbeat of India’s batting.

Her year has been sprinkled with four hundreds and three fifties, each innings underlining her growing stature as a modern-day giant. What makes this record even more special is how it came amidst the grind of a long season. The southpaw still has a few ODIs to play this year where she can add more runs to her tally and further extend the record.