Smriti Mandhana creates history, surpasses Rohit Sharma to become India’s highest run-scorer in T20Is

India women’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana continues her fabulous form in international cricket and has now etched her name in history with a major milestone.

During the first T20I match against South Africa on April 17 in Durban, Mandhana scored 13 runs. Although it was a small innings, it proved historic as she became India’s highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals.

Mandhana achieved the feat as soon as she scored her first run in the match, surpassing Rohit Sharma, who had previously held the record with 4,231 runs. Mandhana now has 4,244 runs in 161 T20I matches at an average of 30.31, including one century and 33 half-centuries.

This achievement is particularly significant as she overtook Rohit Sharma, who had dominated Indian T20 cricket for a long time. Rohit retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and finished with 4,231 runs in 159 matches at an average of 32.05, including five centuries.

Despite the record, Mandhana could not convert her start into a big innings. She looked in good touch and played aggressively from the beginning, giving India a strong start alongside Shafali Verma. The duo added 46 runs for the first wicket in just five overs.

One of the highlights of Mandhana’s innings was a powerful six over backward square leg off Chloe Tryon, showcasing her excellent timing and class. However, after Shafali’s dismissal, Mandhana too departed soon, getting caught in the covers off a delivery by Ayabonga Khaka.

India eventually lost the match by six wickets against South Africa. Nevertheless, the day belonged to Smriti Mandhana, who has now added another remarkable achievement to her career and further cemented her place among the greats of Indian women’s cricket.

All eyes will now be on the next T20I, where she will aim to play a bigger innings and help India bounce back in the series.