In a historic moment for Indian cricket, Smriti Mandhana created a landmark during the first Women’s T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. The left-handed opener became the first Indian woman cricketer to surpass 4,000 runs in T20 internationals, joining an elite list in global women’s cricket. Only New Zealand legend Suzie Bates has previously achieved this milestone, with 4,716 runs to her name.
What makes this a big record?
What makes Mandhana’s record particularly impressive is the pace at which she achieved it. She reached the 4,000-run mark in just 3,227 balls, surpassing Bates, who required 3,675 balls. This feat highlights Mandhana’s consistency and attacking approach over her T20 career, cementing her position as one of the format’s premier batters.
Despite her landmark, Mandhana’s innings in the match itself was brief. She scored 25 runs off 25 balls while chasing a target of 122, getting dismissed in the ninth over. Nevertheless, it was sufficient to etch her name in the record books. This match marked her first international appearance since India’s maiden ODI World Cup triumph last month, where they defeated South Africa in a memorable final.
India’s bowlers set the tone early, delivering a disciplined performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 121/6 in their 20 overs. The Sri Lankan batting lineup struggled to capitalize on loose deliveries and could not forge significant partnerships. Opener Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored for Sri Lanka with 39 off 43 balls, while Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed 20 and 21 runs, respectively.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu began aggressively but was dismissed by young pacer Kranti Gaud, giving India an early advantage. Indian bowlers maintained pressure through the middle overs despite challenging conditions due to dew, which made gripping the ball difficult. Deepti Sharma bowled economically, and debutant Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with her calm and controlled spell, conceding very few runs and showcasing immense potential for the team.
India’s victory was built on a balanced approach: a combination of experienced players like Mandhana, emerging talent like Vaishnavi, and a disciplined bowling unit. Even though the total target was modest, India’s batting depth allowed them to chase it efficiently, reflecting the team’s strong form following their recent World Cup win.
More than just a personal milestone
Mandhana’s achievement is more than just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the growth and consistency of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage. Breaking the 4,000-run barrier demonstrates her remarkable skill, adaptability, and mental toughness across various conditions and oppositions. Fans and young cricketers alike now have a shining example of excellence to aspire to, emphasizing the impact of T20 cricket in India’s women’s cricket ecosystem.
Her milestone also underscores the rapid evolution of women’s cricket in India. From increased visibility in leagues like the Women’s Premier League to consistent performances on international tours, Indian women cricketers are steadily making a mark worldwide. Mandhana’s record further cements her legacy as a trailblazer, inspiring the next generation to dream big and perform consistently at the highest level.
As India continues its T20 series against Sri Lanka, all eyes will remain on Mandhana and her teammates to sustain their dominant form. With emerging talents blending seamlessly with experienced campaigners, India looks set to continue its winning momentum, building on the historic foundation laid by players like Smriti Mandhana.
To conclude, Mandhana’s historic 4,000-run milestone in T20Is is a landmark achievement not just for her, but for Indian cricket as a whole. Coupled with India’s strong all-round performance in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, it highlights the growing strength, depth, and international competitiveness of the Indian women’s cricket team.
