Smriti Mandhana becomes women’s T20I top run

Indian women’s cricket opener Smriti Mandhana became the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 International cricket during the Asian Games 2026 semi-final against Bangladesh on September 20.

Mandhana surpassed New Zealand cricketer Suzie Bates’ previous record of 4,758 runs in 186 matches. Mandhana now holds 4,765 runs in the format.

The milestone was reached during the second women’s cricket semi-final at Korogi Sports Park, where India played Bangladesh. The winner will meet Sri Lanka, who defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the first semi-final, in the gold medal match.

Mandhana leads the women’s T20I run charts with 4,765 runs, followed by Bates with 4,758 runs. India’s Harmanpreet Kaur is third with 4,287 runs, while Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu (4,282) and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine (3,817) complete the top five.

Across formats, Mandhana has scored 10,964 runs in international cricket. Jan Brittin holds the record for most runs in women’s Tests with 1,935, and Mithali Raj remains the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs with 7,805 runs.

In the semi-final against Bangladesh, Mandhana scored a rapid 37 runs from 19 balls, including five fours and two sixes, before being dismissed. She also contributed to a 72-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma.

Mandhana’s record-breaking achievement adds to her distinguished international career as India aim to secure the gold medal at the Asian Games.

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