Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium was one for the books. Smriti Mandhana made her own place in cricket history. During the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka, the Indian vice-captain became just the second Indian woman to hit the 10,000-run mark in international cricket.
She hit that milestone with a sharp drive off Nimasha Meepage in the seventh over. That single shot sent the Thiruvananthapuram crowd wild. Mandhana now joins Mithali Raj as the only other Indian in this elite group. The achievement really solidifies her reputation as one of the best run-scorers in the modern game.
A Masterclass in Batting by Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana didn't just hit a milestone; she took over the game. The 29-year-old came out to the crease with a clear plan and hammered a quick-fire 80 runs off only 48 balls. Her knock included 11 beautiful boundaries and three massive sixes.
This performance showcased her signature blend of class and power. The southpaw teamed up with Shafali Verma for a huge 162-run opening stand. That partnership pushed India to a massive total of 221 for 2.
The Sri Lankan bowlers had no way to stop her. She found the gaps with total precision. This performance was the perfect finish to an incredible 2025 for Mandhana. She also wrapped up the year as the top run-scorer in ODIs.
Breaking down the numbers
Fans always love comparing the greats. Mandhana’s entry into the 10K club places her right up there with the absolute legends of the sport. She is now part of an exclusive list led by former captains and the stars of the modern era.
| Player | Country | Total International Runs |
| Mithali Raj | India | 10,868 |
| Suzie Bates | New Zealand | 10,652 |
| Charlotte Edwards | England | 10,273 |
| Smriti Mandhana | India | 10,053* |
This moment feels like a real passing of the torch. Mithali Raj led the way for 20 years. Now, Mandhana is taking the lead with the aggressive, high-risk style that defines cricket today. What makes her special is how she scores so consistently across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is alike.
The opener has reached this record faster than most who came before her. That pace really shows how much Mandhana has been dominating lately. Even at 29, she continues to break records. With the T20 World Cup coming up, her current streak is a great sign for India’s chances at the trophy.
The road ahead for her
Mandhana is now focused on catching up to Mithali Raj’s all-time record. If she stays this fit and keeps this form, she could soon be the undisputed number one in Indian women’s cricket. Fans are looking for even more big hitting as India try to finish the series strong.
