Smriti Mandhana scripts history, enters elite Women’s T20I list

Smriti Mandhana made a memorable return to international cricket by reaching another remarkable milestone, becoming only the second woman to surpass 4,000 runs in Women’s T20Is. She joined New Zealand legend Suzie Bates in the elite club during the opening T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Smriti Mandhana returned to action following a turbulent period that included her starring role in India’s ODI World Cup victory in November. Not long after that success, her wedding was cancelled, prompting her to fully devote herself to cricket and India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Needing 18 runs to complete the milestone, Mandhana walked out during India’s 122-run chase in Vizag after the bowlers had set things up brilliantly. She opted for a measured start to her innings, particularly with Shafali Verma getting dismissed.

Her first boundary came with a slice of luck in the second over, as an inside edge narrowly missed the stumps and raced away. The next one was far more assured, with Mandhana beautifully cutting Chamari Athapaththu in the fifth over to get close to the milestone.

Major Milestone unlocked 🔓

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana becomes the 1⃣st Indian and only the 2⃣nd player ever to complete 4⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ runs in women’s T20Is 🫡#TeamIndia are 55/1 after 6 overs.

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/T8EskKzzzW#INDvSL | @mandhana_smriti | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/pejpxDS2FP

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 21, 2025

Smriti Mandhana completed the over with another boundary to bring up the milestone before getting dismissed on a score of 25 off 25 balls. Already India’s highest run-scorer in Women’s T20Is, she is also closing in on the 10,000-run landmark in international cricket. However, she still has a lot of work to do to reach Suzie Bates, who heads the list with 4716 runs in 177 T20Is.

India, meanwhile, sealed the game comfortably, cruising to an 8-wicket win, with Jemimah Rodrigues anchoring the chase brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 69 off 44 balls.

Highest Run-Getters in Women’s T20Is

Related