Every time India Women take the field, Smriti Mandhana seems to find a new way to leave her mark. The opening T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam was no different, as India’s return to international cricket was highlighted by another historic moment from their most dependable batter.
During the modest chase of 122 on Sunday, Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman to cross 4,000 runs in T20 international cricket. In doing so, she joined an elite list, becoming only the second player in women’s T20Is to reach the milestone, after New Zealand great Suzie Bates. What made the achievement even more special was the speed at which Smriti Mandhana got there, reaching the mark in far fewer balls than anyone before her. The record underlined not just her consistency but also the impact she has had at the top of India’s batting order over the years.
https://x.com/BCCIWomen/status/2002768375249023424
Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for 25 from 25 balls, taking her overall tally to 4,006 runs but her contribution had already pushed India firmly on course. She continues to sit comfortably ahead of her teammates in the T20I run charts, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur the next closest among Indians. Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine trail behind, completing the list of the format’s leading run-scorers.
India’s chase had started with a brief wobble as Shafali Verma fell early with just 13 runs on the board. Smriti Mandhana then steadied the innings alongside Jemimah Rodrigues and the pair added a fluent 54-run partnership that eased any remaining nerves. Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal came unexpectedly when she attempted an aggressive shot and found a fielder in the deep but the damage had already been done.
With the platform set, India cruised home without further trouble. Jemimah Rodrigues carried on to score a composed half-century, guiding the team to an eight-wicket win. The victory gave India an early edge in the five-match series, with the second T20I scheduled at the same venue on December 23.
