Smriti Mandhana Eyes Historic Milestones in Women's Cricket by 2026

Smriti Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain, is poised to achieve remarkable milestones in women's cricket by 2026. With over 4,000 T20I runs and aspirations to become the leading century-maker in Women's ODIs, she is on the brink of breaking several records. As she prepares for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup and other international fixtures, her journey is one to watch closely. With a busy schedule ahead, including ODIs and T20Is, Mandhana has the potential to not only surpass existing records but also aim for the rare milestone of 20 international centuries.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 20:20 IST

Smriti Mandhana's Record-Breaking Journey

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is on track for a remarkable 2026, having recently surpassed 4,000 runs in T20 internationals. Her aspirations include becoming the leading century-maker in Women's ODIs and the top run-scorer across all formats of international cricket.

Recent Performance Highlights

Mandhana made her return in the first T20I of a five-match series against Sri Lanka at the Dr YS Rajashekhara Reddy Stadium in Vishakhapatnam on December 22. She contributed 25 runs off 25 balls, helping India secure an 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.

During this match, she achieved significant milestones, becoming the first Indian woman to score 4,000 runs in T20Is and setting a new record for the most international runs in a single year in women's cricket, surpassing her previous record of 1,602 runs.

Future Records in Sight

Currently, Mandhana has accumulated 9,958 international runs and is closing in on the 10,000-run mark. Let's explore the records she could potentially break in 2026.

In Women's ODIs, Mandhana has scored 5,322 runs, including 14 centuries and 34 fifties, boasting an impressive average of 48.38 over 117 matches. She was the fastest Indian to reach 5,000 runs in this format and is currently sixth on the all-time leading run-scorers list. To surpass former England captain Charlotte Edwards' total of 5,992 runs, she needs just 670 more runs.

Chasing Milestones

Mandhana is also 678 runs away from becoming the second player, after Mithali Raj, to reach 6,000 runs in Women's ODIs. With nine ODIs scheduled between February 2026 and January 2027, she has a solid chance to achieve this if she maintains her form.

Looking ahead, she is expected to participate in the Women's T20 World Cup in June and July in England and Wales. Currently, she ranks as the second-highest run-scorer for India in T20 World Cups, with 524 runs at an average of 21.83 across 25 matches.

Competition for Records

Mandhana needs 203 runs to surpass Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, who are tied for the most runs by an Indian in Women's T20 World Cups, each with 726 runs. However, with Harmanpreet still active, the competition for this record remains fierce.

In Women's ODIs, former Australia captain Meg Lanning holds the record for the most centuries with 15. Mandhana, with 14 centuries, is just two away from breaking this record, and with nine ODIs on the horizon, she has a realistic chance to achieve this feat.

Climbing the All-Time Rankings

Mithali Raj's record of 10,868 runs in women's international cricket is another target for Mandhana, who is currently at 9,958 runs. She is also on track to break the record for the most international centuries, currently tied with Lanning at 17.

With a busy schedule ahead, including ODIs, T20Is, and a Test against England, Mandhana has ample opportunity to not only break existing records but also aim for the milestone of 20 international centuries.

Current Standings in T20Is

Suzie Bates of New Zealand holds the record for the most runs in Women's T20Is with 4,716 runs. Mandhana is currently in second place with 4,007 runs, including a century and 31 fifties, at an average of 29.90 over 154 matches.

As the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka concludes on November 30, Mandhana is likely to reach the 4,200-run mark. With a packed T20 schedule next year, including the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup, she has a strong chance to surpass Bates' record.