India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the record books on Sunday by becoming only the fourth woman batter in international cricket to complete 10,000 runs. The landmark moment came during the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The left-handed opener reached the milestone early in India’s innings, underlining her consistency across formats over more than a decade at the international level. Mandhana is now just the second Indian woman to achieve the feat, following former captain Mithali Raj.
A Milestone Built on Consistency
Mandhana entered the match needing a modest contribution to reach the historic mark, having accumulated 9,972 runs across Tests, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals. With a controlled stroke into the outfield, she brought up her 10,000th run, earning applause from teammates and spectators alike.
The achievement places Mandhana among an exclusive group of batters who have maintained longevity and excellence across all three formats. Her career has been defined by adaptability, whether anchoring an innings in longer formats or providing aggressive starts in the shortest version of the game.
Strong Opening Partnership Sets the Tone
India, having already secured the series, started the match with intent. Mandhana and fellow opener Shafali Verma complemented each other well at the top of the order, combining control with aggression. The pair made full use of the powerplay, keeping the scoreboard moving without unnecessary risks.
At the halfway stage of the innings, India were firmly in control, with both openers well set. Mandhana looked fluent, finding gaps with ease, while her partner continued to attack the bowling, giving the hosts a commanding platform.
Elite List of 10,000 International Runs
| Player | Country | International Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Mithali Raj | India | 10,868 |
| Suzie Bates | New Zealand | 10,652 |
| Charlotte Edwards | England | 10,273 |
| Smriti Mandhana | India | 10,000+ |
Mandhana’s International Career Snapshot
| Matches Played | 279 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| Leadership | India Vice-Captain |
Significance of the Achievement
Reaching 10,000 international runs is a reflection of Mandhana’s durability and impact in women’s cricket. In an era marked by frequent scheduling and evolving formats, her ability to deliver consistently has made her one of India’s most dependable performers.
As India continue to build depth and ambition in women’s cricket, Mandhana’s milestone stands as both a personal triumph and a symbol of the team’s steady rise on the global stage.
