Smriti Mandhana Enters Record Books, Achieves 4,000 ODI Runs
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana made history in the first Women’s ODI against Ireland on January 10, 2025. It was at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Mandhana filled in for the rested Harmanpreet Kaur. She led from the front as India chased down 239 in the ICC Women’s Championship series.
A Historic Milestone for Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score 4,000 ODI runs. Only Mithali Raj had done it before her. In just 95 innings, Mandhana is now the third-fastest to reach the milestone in women’s cricket. Only Belinda Clarke and Meg Lanning did it in fewer matches.
𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 🔓
4⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ ODI runs and going strong! 👍 👍
Congratulations, Smriti Mandhana 👏 👏
UPDATES ▶️ https://t.co/bcSIVpiPvQ#TeamIndia | #INDvIRE | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/kI32uFeRX0
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 10, 2025
Mandhana’s achievement is even more remarkable. She is the first Indian, male or female, to score 4,000 ODI runs in fewer than 100 innings. Her 95-innings record equals Shikhar Dhawan’s and is just behind Virat Kohli’s 93-innings mark.
A Key Contribution in India’s Win
Mandhana opened the innings with debutant Pratika Rawal. She blazed a start to the Indian chase. The duo added a quick 70-run partnership in just 10 overs. Mandhana’s 41 off 29 balls, with six boundaries, set the tone for India’s successful chase. India took a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. A knock, dismissed by Freya Sargent, set up a clinical batting display.
Mandhana’s Stellar Form in Recent Years
Smriti Mandhana‘s milestone is no surprise. Her performances have been extraordinary for years. She ended 2024 as the highest run-scorer in ODIs and T20Is. She also smashed four centuries in ODIs, the most ever in a year. Her consistency and power have made her one of the world’s best batters.
India’s Last ICC Women’s Championship Series Before WPL
India’s series with Ireland is the last task in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025. Next, the focus will shift to the much-anticipated 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL). Mandhana is expected to play a crucial role for her franchise.
The Bigger Picture
With the ICC Women’s Championship wrapping up and the WPL on the horizon, Mandhana’s achievement sets the stage for an exciting year in women’s cricket. Her historic milestone is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the rising stature of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
