Smriti Mandhana’s T20I milestone draws praise from ICC chief Jay Shah

Smriti Mandhana became the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket across men’s and women’s formats after surpassing Suzie Bates during the Asian Games semifinal against Bangladesh. ICC chairman Jay Shah praised the India vice-captain for her record-breaking contribution to women’s cricket

New Delhi: International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah on Sunday heaped praise on India women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana for becoming the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket across both men’s and women’s cricket.

Mandhana achieved the feat during the Asian Games semifinal against Bangladesh women at the Korogi Sports Park, where she played a strong cameo of 37 off 19 balls. In the process, she surpassed former New Zealand cricketer Suzie Bates to top the run-scorers’ list with 4,788 runs in 171 innings.

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“Many congratulations to @mandhana_smriti for going top of the Women’s T20I run charts (4,788 runs). By rewriting history, you are lifting women’s cricket to new heights and setting the standard for young dreamers everywhere. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!” Shah posted on X.

Coming into the game, Mandhana had 4,751 runs in 170 innings and needed to score only eight runs to go past the New Zealand icon. She achieved the milestone early in her innings, hitting a couple of fours in her first seven balls along with two singles.

Mandhana had recently become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket as well. During the Asia Cup, she broke the record of former India skipper Mithali Raj to become the most prolific run-scorer in the women’s game.

She hit 124 against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup to surpass Mithali’s tally of 10,868 runs and also registered her 18th international hundred, the most in women’s international cricket at the time, moving past legendary Australian batter Meg Lanning.

The century record was later equalled by South Africa women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt.

Having made her debut in 2013, Mandhana has evolved into one of world cricket’s most formidable batters, with this record-breaking milestone being a testament to her remarkable consistency.

She is placed fifth in the ICC Women’s T20I batter rankings and tops the ICC Women’s ODI batting charts.