This year just keeps getting better for Smriti Mandhana. In a historic moment during India’s high-stakes Women’s World Cup clash against Australia at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, the Indian opener etched her name into cricketing folklore by becoming the first-ever player in women’s cricket history to score 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year.
Mandhana, 29, reached the landmark in the eighth over of the innings, with a signature move that defined her elegance - dancing down the track and launching Sophie Molineux for a six over long-on. It was a shot worthy of the occasion, both audacious and graceful, as the packed Visakhapatnam crowd erupted in celebration.
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A Record-Breaking Year for India’s Batting Queen
With this feat, Mandhana surpasses the long-standing record held by Australia’s Belinda Clark, who had amassed 970 ODI runs in 1997 - a benchmark that stood unchallenged for nearly three decades.
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Her 2025 form has been nothing short of spectacular, already boasting:
- 4 centuries
- 3 half-centuries
The record-breaking six against Australia wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a moment of pride for Indian cricket, showcasing the dominance and evolution of women’s cricket on the global stage.
Stepping Up After a Quiet World Cup Start
Despite her stellar form this year, Mandhana had a relatively subdued start to the World Cup, with scores of 8, 23, and 23 in her first three matches. But true champions show up when it matters most - and against the defending champions Australia, Mandhana chose the perfect stage to remind the world of her brilliance.
Climbing the All-Time Ranks
Smriti Mandhana’s record is only one part of her growing legacy. She now sits fifth among the all-time run-scorers in women’s ODIs, behind legends like:
- Mithali Raj
- Charlotte Edwards
- Suzie Bates
- Stafanie Taylor
She also holds the joint second-most centuries in women's ODI cricket, tied with Suzie Bates - a remarkable achievement for someone still in her prime.
A World Cup Veteran With Fire Still Burning
This is Mandhana’s third Women’s World Cup, having been part of the memorable 2017 squad that reached the final at Lord’s, only to narrowly lose to England. Her evolution from a promising teenager to the backbone of India’s batting order has been nothing short of inspirational.
And just to add a cherry on top, the last time she faced Australia, Mandhana smashed the fastest-ever century by an Indian player in ODIs - off just 50 balls, breaking Virat Kohli’s previous record (52 balls). That's the level she operates at when she’s in full flow.
What’s Next for Smriti Mandhana?
With India eyeing their first Women’s World Cup title and Mandhana in record-breaking form, 2025 could be the year she truly cements her legacy as one of the game’s greats. If her bat continues to speak like this, there’s no telling how many more records will tumble.