Mandhana becomes women's cricket's all-time leading run-scorer

Smriti Mandhana raises her bat after reaching a century that moved her past Mithali Raj on the all-time runs list.

India batter Smriti Mandhana became the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket after smashing a century in her side's Women's Asia Cup victory over Hong Kong in Dubai on Thursday. The left-hander finished on 124 from 64 balls, taking her aggregate to 10,880 runs across all formats and moving past former India captain Mithali Raj's mark of 10,868.

Mandhana reached the landmark with a six down the ground during her knock, which included 14 fours and seven maximums. The innings powered India to 193 for five and set up a 137-run win that sent the defending champions into the semi-finals of the tournament.

The century was Mandhana's second in T20 Internationals and her 18th in women's internationals overall, taking her past Australia's Meg Lanning for most hundreds across formats. She now sits alone at the top of both the runs and centuries charts in the women's game.

Raj, who held the runs record for more than five years, was among the first to congratulate Mandhana. The former India skipper described the achievement as well deserved and highlighted the consistency required to reach the top of the all-time list.

Mandhana's rise to the record came in her 302nd international appearance across Tests, ODIs and T20Is since her debut in 2013. Her 10,880 runs comprise 788 in Tests, 5,411 in ODIs and 4,681 in T20Is, giving her a broad base of contributions across all three formats.

The innings also set a new record for the highest individual score in Women's Asia Cup history, surpassing Chamari Athapaththu's 119 not out against Malaysia in 2024. Mandhana's 124 now stands as the benchmark for batting in the regional tournament.

India's total of 193 for five proved far beyond Hong Kong's reach, and the bowlers completed a comprehensive rout to seal the semi-final berth. Mandhana's knock was the centerpiece of the performance, but the team effort ensured there was no late drama in the chase.

After the match, Mandhana dedicated the record-breaking century to her family. She acknowledged their support throughout her career and said the milestone meant more because of the role they had played in her journey to the top of the women's game.

The result leaves Mandhana as the outright leader in women's international runs, with New Zealand's Suzie Bates, England's Charlotte Edwards and West Indies' Stafanie Taylor completing the top five. All four are retired, giving Mandhana a clear runway at the summit as she continues to add to her tally