Smriti Mandhana Achieves Record as First Asian to Reach 4,000 T20I Runs

Indian vice captain Smriti Mandhana made a return to international cricket by rewriting the record books in the first Women’s T20I against Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam on December 21, 2025. In her comeback match Mandhana became the first Indian and first Asian batter to cross 4,000 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals, underlining her status as one of the finest batters of the modern era.

The Historic Milestone

• During her innings, Mandhana scored a run a ball 25, a measured knock that carried immense significance.
• With these runs she reached 4,007 runs from 154 Women’s T20I matches and becoming only the second batter in the history of the format to cross the 4,000-run mark.
• The only player ahead of her is Suzie Bates who leads the list with 4,716 runs in 177 matches.
• Mandhana now stands second on the all-time Women’s T20I run-scorers list, a remarkable feat considering the competitiveness of the modern women’s game.

Match Overview

• India opted to field first and delivered a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 121 for 6.
• The Sri Lankan batters struggled to capitalise despite early dew, with Vishmi Gunaratne top-scoring with 39 off 43 balls.
• Contributions from Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama provided some resistance, but the total remained below par.
• In response, India began aggressively, with Shafali Verma striking three boundaries in the opening over. Mandhana played the stabilising role before both openers were dismissed.

Key Takeaways

• Smriti Mandhana became the first Asian to score 4,000 Women’s T20I runs.
• She achieved the milestone during the India vs Sri Lanka first T20I in Visakhapatnam.
• Mandhana is now second on the all-time Women’s T20I run list, behind Suzie Bates.
• India won the match by eight wickets, taking a 1–0 series lead.
• Jemimah Rodrigues unbeaten 69 played a decisive role in the chase.

Question

Q. Who is the only player ahead of Mandhana in all-time Women’s T20I runs?

A. Meg Lanning
B. Sarah Taylor
C. Suzie Bates
D. Ellys Perry