‘I definitely never imagined to do that’ | Smriti Mandhana on surpassing Mithali Raj’s feat

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‘I definitely never imagined to do that’ | Smriti Mandhana on surpassing Mithali Raj’s featHistory was created at Dubai as the Indian vice-captain went past Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 International runs.

Last Updated04 September 2026, 12:02
IST

Smriti Mandhana now has 10,880 across the three formats.

India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana had to pinch herself after surpassing Mithali Raj to become the leading run-getter in Women’s Internationals as she “never imagined” to go past the legendary Indian batter.

Smriti played a major chunk of her career under Mithali’s captaincy and the former India captain was also her role model growing up.

History was created at the Dubai International Cricket

History was created at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday as the Indian vice-captain went past Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 International runs. Smriti now has 10,880 across the three formats.

“Yeah, I mean, till I was batting, I didn’t know what record it was because I didn’t know the exact runs or all of that.

“But yeah, looking back, one of a very good day for Indian cricket, I would say. Of course, Mithali-di has been such a legend and a role model, and we’ve all grown up watching her bat.

So, to go past her in the tally

“So, to go past her in the tally of runs, I definitely never imagined to do that. But happy that there are two Indians at the top two,” said Smriti.

She also set a new record for the highest individual score in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup surpassing Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 119 against Malaysia in the 2024 edition in Dambulla.

Her innings formed the cornerstone of India’s imposing 193 for five. Hong Kong were bowled out for just 56 in 16.2 overs, giving India their second-biggest win by runs in women’s T20Is.

Smriti also moved to the top of another

Smriti also moved to the top of another coveted list, becoming the batter with the most centuries (18) in women’s international cricket, going past Australian legend Meg Lanning (17).

“Going past the international record of centuries, 18 is a good number to go past, firstly, I will say that,” she said.

“But again, I mean, two of the legends of women’s cricket — Meg Lanning and Mithali Raj — genuinely, these are the two people whom ‘ve grown up watching a lot. I’ve tried to take a lot of things from them as batters.

So, really happy that I could go past

“So, really happy that I could go past them in whatever ways, but again, it’s just a stat, I would say.”

Having already made the semifinals, a far superior India will be expected to step up the intensity against traditional foes Pakistan in their final league game on Saturday.

Source: www.deccanherald.com