A Milestone Made for the Big Stage
Some records are set in quiet corners of the cricketing world. Smriti Mandhana’s latest? It arrived under the brightest lights possible.
On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, Mandhana walked out needing just 13 runs to touch 11,000 international runs. She didn’t wait long. In the third over, she launched Sri Lankan spinner Sugandika Kumari over the boundary for a six. That one shot did it. Mandhana became the first woman in cricket history to cross the 11,000-run mark across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined.
The Knock That Sealed Gold
Mandhana wasn’t just playing for personal glory. This was the Asian Games final, and India wanted gold.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India raced to a record 216/3 in 20 overs — the highest team total in women’s cricket at the Asian Games. Mandhana led the charge with a 45-ball 79, studded with five fours and seven sixes. Her innings came at a strike rate of 175.56 and formed part of a 99-run opening stand with Shafali Verma.
India’s bowlers then wrapped up Sri Lanka for just 69, securing a 147-run win and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals for the women’s team.
By the Numbers: Mandhana’s Historic Career
Mandhana’s journey to 11,000 runs began on April 5, 2013, when she made her international debut against Bangladesh in a T20I in Vadodara. Since then, she has become the most prolific run-scorer in women’s international cricket.
Her tally now stands at 11,066 international runs, built across:
- 9 Tests: 788 runs
- 120 ODIs: 5,411 runs
- 179 T20Is: 4,788+ runs
She also holds the record for the most international centuries by a woman cricketer — 18 tons and counting.
Reactions and What’s Next
The cricket world was quick to celebrate. Teammates, fans, and former players hailed Mandhana’s consistency, longevity, and ability to deliver when it matters most. Her milestone came just weeks after she surpassed Mithali Raj’s all-format run record during the Asia Cup, underlining her status as the leading batter in women’s cricket today.
For India, the focus now shifts to defending their Asian Games crown — a job done in style. For Mandhana, the next target is already in sight: more runs, more titles, and more history.
FAQs
How many runs did Smriti Mandhana need to reach 11,000 before the Asian Games final?
She needed just 13 runs, entering the match with 10,987 international runs to her name.
How did Smriti Mandhana reach the 11,000-run mark?
She hit a six off Sri Lanka’s Sugandika Kumari in the third over, completing the milestone in only 10 balls.
What was Mandhana’s score in the Asian Games 2026 final?
She scored 79 runs off 45 balls, including five fours and seven sixes.
How many international centuries does Smriti Mandhana have?
She has 18 international hundreds, the most by any woman cricketer.
