Smriti Mandhana Sets Record for Most 50+ Scores in Women’s T20Is
Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana made history on December 19, 2024. This was during the series-deciding T20I against the West Indies at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. In Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence, Mandhana led the Women in Blue. She gave a scintillating performance. It helped her team and set a record.
Mandhana, who hit seven straight boundaries in an explosive start, reached her fifty in 27 balls. She surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates for the most 50+ scores in women’s T20Is. She ended her innings with 77 runs off 47 balls, marking her 30th 50+ score in T20I cricket.
A Milestone Achievement: Most 50+ Scores in T20Is
4⃣6⃣4⃣
Captain Smriti Mandhana in sublime touch! ✨#TeamIndia 40/1 after 4 overs
Live ▶️ https://t.co/Fuqs85UJ9W#INDvWI | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/1tLjTYqfds
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 19, 2024
Smriti Mandhana’s feat broke Suzie Bates’ record of 29 50+ scores. It included 28 fifties and one century. Mandhana’s achievement shows her dominance in the game’s shortest format.
Top Records: Most 50+ Scores in Women’s T20Is
| Player | 50+ Scores |
|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana (India) | 30 |
| Suzie Bates (New Zealand) | 29 |
| Beth Mooney (Australia) | 25 |
| Stefanie Taylor (West Indies) | 22 |
| Sophie Devine (New Zealand) | 22 |
This record boosts Mandhana’s status as a top T20I batter in women’s cricket.
Breaking Records in a Calendar Year
In addition to her 50+ milestone, Mandhana has also set a new record for the most T20I runs in a calendar year. She broke former Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu’s record. She became only the fourth woman to score over 700 T20I runs in a year.
Most T20I Runs in a Calendar Year: Women’s Cricket
| Player | Year | Innings | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana (India) | 2024 | 21 | 763 |
| Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka) | 2024 | 21 | 720 |
| Er Oza (UAW) | 2024 | 20 | 711 |
| Haley Matthews (West Indies) | 2023 | 14 | 700 |
| Kavisha Egodage (UAE) | 2022 | 25 | 695 |
Her incredible form extends beyond T20Is, as she has also scored 599 runs in just 10 ODIs in 2024.
A Standout Knock for the Women in Blue
Mandhana’s contribution was vital in India’s powerplay dominance. The team scored 61 runs in the first six overs. Facing bowlers Chinelle Henry and Deandra Dottin, Mandhana hit a flurry of boundaries. This set the tone for India’s innings.
Her stellar performance in this game guided India to a strong position. It also added a historic achievement to her already illustrious career.
Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking innings against the West Indies is a testament to her skill, consistency, and leadership in international cricket. As the first woman to score 30 50+ runs in T20Is, she set a record for most runs in a calendar year. She inspires fans and players worldwide.
