Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the history books by becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s T20 international cricket. Her milestone performance helped steer India to a dominant 114-run victory against Bangladesh during their Asian Games semifinal clash held at the Korogi Athletic Park in Nagoya, Japan.
During her quickfire innings of 37 runs off 19 deliveries, which featured five fours and two sixes, Mandhana surpassed the previous record of 4,758 runs held by New Zealand’s Suzie Bates. Mandhana now sits at the top of the all-time list with 4,788 runs accumulated over 171 innings. This achievement follows a stellar month for the Indian star, who also recently claimed the top spot in the overall women’s international run-scoring charts after surpassing former captain Mithali Raj’s record of 10,868 runs during a match against Hong Kong.
While Mandhana reached the historical milestone, her opening partner Shafali Verma delivered a brilliant masterclass, scoring her maiden T20 century. Verma finished unbeaten on 100 off just 49 balls, striking nine sixes and three fours to help India post a commanding total of 195-4. Following this explosive batting display, the Indian bowling attack dismantled the Bangladesh lineup, restricting them to just 81 runs in 15.4 overs.
India, who currently hold the 50-over world title, will now face Sri Lanka in Tuesday’s gold medal match. The fixture serves as a high-stakes rematch following the recent Asia Cup final in Dubai, where India secured their eighth continental championship title.
Sri Lanka advanced to the final by comfortably defeating Pakistan by eight wickets. Pakistan batted first and managed 177-4, powered by half-centuries from Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar. The pair combined for a record 115-run stand for the third wicket, marking the second-highest partnership in Pakistan’s WT20I history. Zafar also reached a milestone by hitting the joint third-fastest fifty for her country off just 27 balls.
Despite Pakistan’s competitive total, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu spearheaded a clinical run chase. She scored an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls, anchoring a 95-run partnership with Hasini Perera, who contributed 42 runs. Athapaththu then closed out the victory with a 47-run stand alongside Harshitha Samrawickrama, chasing down the target with 13 balls to spare.
Following their semifinal defeat, Pakistan will prepare to compete against Bangladesh in the bronze medal match, which is also scheduled for Tuesday. The report also notes that in the process, went past New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates’s 4,758 runs at the top of the all-time list to stand on 4,788 runs from 171 innings, mandhana scored 37 off 19 balls with five fours and two sixes in her side’s 195-4 in 20 overs and. The report also notes that earlier this month, Mandhana reached the top of overall run-scoring charts in women’s international cricket after smashing a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls in the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai. The report also notes that she reached her hundred off the final ball of the 20-over innings and was clearly emotional as she took off her helmet and raised her bat in celebration towards her applauding teammates on the boundary.
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