Smriti Mandhana has made history in women's international cricket when she became the first woman cricketer to bag 11,000 international runs. India vice-captain made a record first in the women's cricket gold medal match against Sri Lanka at the Asian Games 2026 on Tuesday, September 22.
Mandhana came into the final of the Asian Games needing only 13 runs to seal it. She got there in 10 balls, another big achievement in an amazing international career. This last record just weeks after she became the all-time highest run-scorer in women's international cricket in all three formats.
The 30-year-old left-handed batsman had 10,987 international runs at the Sri Lanka final. She scored 788 in Test cricket, 5,411 in women's ODIs and 4,788 in T20Is. With the 11,000 runs, Mandhana became the first woman to achieve the five-figure mark at this level beyond the previous mark of 10,000 runs.
Mandhana’s latest performance is one of several records she has set in a remarkable run of form in 2026. She also surpassed former India captain Mithali Raj's 10,868 runs to become the all-time record run-scorer in women’s international cricket, and she accomplished that feat with a record 124 against Hong Kong China in the Women’s Asia Cup.
That innings was especially important because Mandhana broke many records in the same match. Her 124-run hit took her international tally to 10,880 and moved her to the top of the women's international run charts ahead of Mithali Raj. She also scored her 18th international century, ahead of Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt in the women's international centuries list at the time.
Mandhana added another record during the semi-final of India’s Asian Games against Bangladesh. Her 37 off 19 balls lifted India to the final, and she moved past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 internationals. Mandhana reached 4,788 T20I runs ahead of Bates’ 4,758.
So the 11,000-run score is a highlight of an impressive sequence in a short time. Mandhana has established herself as one of the most productive batters in women’s international cricket, with her consistency in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is playing a key role in her record-breaking numbers.
Her place at the top of women’s run charts is also a continuation of the legacy of Mithali Raj. When Mandhana overtook Raj earlier this month, the former India captain congratulated her former successor and praised her achievement. The record had belonged to Raj, who finished her international career with 10,868 runs.
Mandhana's contribution has also been crucial for India's recent success. India won the Women's Asia Cup earlier this year and defeated Sri Lanka in the final to win a record-extending eighth title. Mandhana scored 59 in that final and Shafali Verma 68 as India achieved 183/5 before Sri Lanka was able to contain.
India went through to the women's cricket final at the Asian Games with a dominant 114-run victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final. Mandhana made 37 from 19 deliveries in that match while Shafali Verma made her first T20I century with a 100. India then faced Sri Lanka in the gold-medal match on September 22.
Mandhana's latest record is another landmark in a career that began with her international debut in 2013. Over the years, she has become a key figure in India's batting lineup and has accumulated significant runs across all three formats. Her ability to contribute consistently in different conditions has helped her remain among the leading batters in women's cricket.
The 11,000-run record also highlights Mandhana's longevity internationally. Her record is another great benchmark for future generations: international cricket is growing and women's cricket is gaining greater visibility.
Mandhana’s name is now alone at 11,000 runs in women’s international cricket. She has already become the most leading run-scorer for women’s T20Is and has also given herself another historic hit in a career which has increasingly been all about winning for India.
