Smriti Mandhana becomes second-highest run-scorer in women's international cricket

Smriti Mandhana claimed second place on the all-time women's international run-scoring list on August 30, overtaking New Zealand's Suzie Bates in the process. The milestone came during India's group stage fixture against Thailand at the Women's Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, where Mandhana contributed 19 runs off 10 balls.

That knock was enough to push the India vice-captain past Bates and place her behind only former India captain Mithali Raj on the all-time chart. Mandhana now holds 10,756 runs from 302 innings across all formats of women's international cricket.

Bates, who had occupied second position, drops to third on the list. The New Zealand batter has accumulated 10,740 runs from 352 innings, meaning Mandhana has surpassed that total in 50 fewer innings, a figure that reflects the consistency she has maintained across Tests, ODIs and T20Is throughout her career.

How close is Mandhana to Mithali Raj's record?

Mithali Raj retired from international cricket in 2022 and holds the record for the most runs in women's international cricket, with 10,868 runs from 314 innings. Mandhana trails that fixed target by 112 runs, the smallest gap between the two at any point in Mandhana's career up to now.

Mandhana has reached her current tally in 12 fewer innings than Raj needed to compile the all-time record, which points to a marginally higher scoring rate per innings across their respective careers. With the Women's Asia Cup 2026 still in progress and India's international schedule continuing beyond the tournament, Mandhana has multiple opportunities to close the remaining gap.

The record now stands as the clearest next target for the left-handed batter. Whether she reaches it during the Asia Cup or in a subsequent series, the margin of 112 runs is well within range given her current form and the volume of cricket ahead.

How did India fare in their Women's Asia Cup opener?

India kicked off their Women's Asia Cup campaign with a 94-run victory over Thailand Women at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Being put into bat, the Women in Blue put up a score of 159 for 9 in their 20 overs. Shafali Verma top-scored with a 36-ball 64, setting the tone for the innings at the top of the order. Debutant Pratika Rawal's 18-ball 22 was the next best score in the innings.

India were clinical with the ball, bowling Thailand out for a score of 65 in 16.1 overs. Nandni Sharma and Deepti Sharma picked up three wickets apiece to dent the Thailand innings. Nandni finished with figures of 3 for 18 from four overs, while Deepti picked up three wickets in seven balls without giving away a single run. India will play Hong Kong in their next match in the competition on September 3, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Most runs in Women's International Cricket