Smriti Mandhana breaks 28-year-old world record, becomes the first player to…

Team India opening batter Smriti Mandhana scripted a new world record in one-day internationals. Playing against South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, the southpaw went past Belinda Clark’s world record of most runs by a batter in women’s cricket. Clark amassed 970 runs for Australia women in 1997, and it took 28 years for another player to go past the legendary cricketer.

Mandhana was 12 runs short of the record before the contest against the Proteas, and she completed the task in style, hitting a six on Ayabonga Khaka’s first delivery of the 8th over.

Most ODI runs in a calendar year

993* – Smriti Mandhana (IND-W, 2025)
970 – Belinda Clark (AUS-W, 1997)
882 – Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W, 2022)
880 – Debbie Hockley (NZ-W, 1997)
853 – Amy Satterthwaite (NZ-W, 2016)

Meanwhile, Mandhana hasn’t been in good form in the ongoing global tournament and failed to get going against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and South Africa. Although the Women in Blue won the two contests, Mandhana’s form is a cause of concern for the team management. India are relying on their star batter. She managed just 23 runs off 32 balls against South Africa.