Our Bureau
Dubai
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana scripted history by surpassing legendary former captain Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket across all formats. The milestone came during India’s Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Group A match against Hong Kong at the Dubai International Stadium.
Mandhana produced a spectacular 124 off 64 deliveries, striking 14 fours and seven sixes, to take her international tally to 10,880 runs, moving past Mithali Raj’s previous record of 10,868. The 30-year-old reached the landmark during an innings that also delivered several other records.
Her century was her 18th in international cricket, making Mandhana the most prolific century-maker in women’s international cricket. She moved ahead of former Australia captain Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who have 17 international hundreds each.
Mandhana’s 124 also became the highest individual score in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu’s previous mark of 119. The knock helped India post 193 for five before the bowlers completed a commanding 137-run victory, bowling Hong Kong out for 56. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.
The achievement carries particular significance for Mandhana, who grew up watching Mithali Raj and later played a substantial part of her career under the former captain’s leadership. Mandhana said she had “never imagined” overtaking her role model and highlighted the significance of having two Indians at the top of the run-scoring list.
India’s emphatic victory also secured its place in the Asia Cup semi-finals. The team will next face Pakistan on September 5 in Dubai.