IND vs SL: Smriti Mandhana joins Mithali Raj in elite list, becomes fourth batter to achieve historic feat

New Delhi: Smriti Mandhana joined legendary Mithali Raj in the elite list during the fourth women’s T20I between India and Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, December 28. She scored 80 runs in the fourth game of the series, becoming the fastest woman batter to cross the 10,000-run mark in international cricket.

The Indian opener became the fourth cricketer after Mithali Raj, New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and England’s Charlotte Edwards to achieve the feat. Smriti had a poor start to the series against Sri Lanka and needed just 27 runs to cross the mark. She completed 4,000 runs in T20Is during the series opener, and was looking to find some form as India prepare for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Mt. 1⃣0⃣,0⃣0⃣0⃣🏔️

Congratulations to #TeamIndia vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on a landmark milestone 👏👏

Updates ▶️ #INDvSL | @mandhana_smriti | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/bkqF2HwuDO

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 28, 2025

Mandhana got off to a great start, smashing a boundary on the very first ball of the match and then hitting another soon as the Women in Blue were looking to post a big total. Shafali Verma played aggressive shots, but Mandhana also batted well.

The Indian opener achieved the feat with a single in the seventh over. She had a brilliant run in ODIs this year, scoring 1352 runs, which is the highest by a female player in a calendar year.

Most runs in international cricket

India post their highest-ever total in women’s T20I

The Women in Blue scored 221 runs in the 20 overs, posting their highest-ever total in the Women’s T20I. Chamari Athapaththu finally won the toss and opted to bowl first, but nothing went Sri Lanka’s way throughout the innings.

Shafali continued her brilliant form, while Mandhana took some time in the middle before shifting gears. The duo forged a 162-run partnership for the first wicket, which is also the highest partnership for India for any wicket in Women’s T20Is.

Nimasha Madushani removed Shafali for 79 (46), while Malsha Shehani dismissed Smriti Mandhana for 80 (48) as the visitors sensed an opening. But Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet played explosive innings, adding 53 runs for the third wicket to ensure a powerful finish.