Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes India's Leading Run-Scorer in T20 World Cup History

Harmanpreet Kaur has made history by becoming India's leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, surpassing Mithali Raj's record. In the opening match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against Pakistan, she scored 36 runs, bringing her total to 762 runs. India set a challenging target of 170 runs, with Smriti Mandhana contributing significantly with 68 runs. Richa Ghosh's explosive finish added to the total, putting pressure on Pakistan as they chase the target. Read on to find out more about this historic achievement and the match details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 22:23 IST

Historic Achievement for Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur has made history by surpassing Mithali Raj to become India's all-time leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup tournaments. Mithali, who retired from T20I cricket in 2019, accumulated 726 runs across 23 innings from 2009 to 2018. Notably, she was left out of the semi-final match against England in 2018. Harmanpreet matched Mithali's record and then exceeded it after scoring her first run in the tournament.

In the match against Pakistan, Harmanpreet scored 36 runs, bringing her total T20 World Cup runs for India to 762 in 34 innings, which includes one century and four half-centuries. She made her T20 World Cup debut in the inaugural tournament in 2009 and has participated in every edition since. Harmanpreet took over as T20I captain from Mithali in 2016.

Currently, Suzie Bates leads the overall rankings for the most runs in Women's T20 World Cups, with 1216 runs in 42 matches. Bates is set to retire from international cricket following the ongoing ICC event. Following her are Stephanie Taylor with 1014 runs and Alyssa Healy, who has scored 1008 runs in 42 matches.

India's Strong Start in the T20 World Cup

India Posts 170/6 Against Pakistan

In their opening match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, India set a formidable target of 170/6 against Pakistan. Shafali Verma kicked off the innings with a six on the very first ball but was dismissed shortly after. Smriti Mandhana played a pivotal role, scoring 68 runs off just 44 balls, and formed a significant partnership of 91 runs for the third wicket with Harmanpreet.

Richa Ghosh contributed a spectacular finishing touch to India's innings, scoring 34 runs off only 17 balls, with a strike rate of 200, including five fours and a six. As Pakistan struggles at six wickets down in 13 overs, they are on the verge of facing another defeat against India.