Mithali Raj paid tribute to star batter Smriti Mandhana after the Indian opening batsman Smriti Mandhana’s historic performance as a woman, as the India opener scored a career long-standing record in women’s international cricket as she became the leading run-scorer in the women’s international cricket and the highest run-scorer for India in the Asia Cup match on Thursday when India took on Hong Kong China.
Mandhana’s innings of 124 runs were the most significant moment of her career. She showed her skills and her class and consistency as the elegant left hander dominated the Hong Kong bowling attack and added another chapter to her already impressive international career. She not only helped India put up a strong performance but also broke records in women’s cricket in her innings that she also had to break many other great records.
Mandhana went past Australia legend Meg Lanning to have the most centuries in women's international cricket. She came up with her 18th international century in all formats, further marking her as one of the best batters in the history of women’s cricket.
The record-breaking day did not end there. In the next over, Mandhana hit two powerful sixes right down the ground to surpass Mithali Raj’s 10,868 international runs. With those shots, she moved up the all-time women’s run-scorers list in women’s international cricket.
Mithali, one of the best players to represent India, was quick to acknowledge Mandhana’s remarkable achievement. The former India captain had a special message for the 30-year-old batter and praised her journey from a cricketer in the youth of India to one of India’s most accomplished players.
Well deserved, @mandhana_smriti ! I’ve watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s to many more runs and…
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) September 3, 2026
“Well deserved, @mandhana_smriti! I have watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced,” Mithali said in her message.
Mithali’s tribute made this one extra special. Mithali Raj played for so many years as the face of Indian women’s cricket and she set many records in her career. To be as big a figure as Mandhana in Indian cricket highlights her consistency and contribution to the national team.
Mandhana was once again shown why she is one of the most elegant and technically gifted batters in world cricket in her innings against Hong Kong China. She found gaps all over the field and looked supremely strong as she ripped the ropes straight over the bowler’s head.
Mandhana, despite the limitations of the Hong Kong bowling attack, made the task look easy on a surface where the batters needed some time to settle. Her opening partner, Shafali Verma, also began cautiously before ramping up in the powerplay. The last over of the powerplay produced 22 runs as India began to take control of the contest.
Hong Kong tried to restrict Mandhana by bowling wider lines and denying her easy scoring opportunities. But the experienced Indian opener remained patient and did not allow the disciplined bowling to frustrate her. She slowly settled into her innings before finding her rhythm and taking the attack apart.
Mandhana told me during the innings break that she did not know all the records she had broken during her innings. She also praised Hong Kong for their disciplined bowling and the energy they brought onto the field.
“I didn’t know all of this happened. It is really hard for me to play slower bowlers, but credit to them. They were really disciplined in the powerplay. They bowled pretty well and the energy they showed was something which we all can learn from,” Mandhana said.
Mandhana’s humble reaction reflected her focus on the game despite achieving multiple historic milestones. Her record-breaking innings has once more proved her importance to Indian women’s cricket.
As Mandhana keeps scoring runs and breaking records, the comparisons to the legends of the game are becoming increasingly common. She has surpassed Mithali Raj’s international run tally and gone past Meg Lanning’s century record, which underline her status as one of the greatest batters of her generation.
With many years of cricket still in front of her, Smriti Mandhana has a chance to extend her lead at the top of the women’s international run-scoring charts. And for Indian cricket fans, it’s not just a personal achievement but also the start of a new chapter in the history of women’s cricket for the Indian cricket team.
