Smriti Mandhana Scripts History: Khelostar Breaks Down Her Record-Breaking Knock

Mithali Raj's tally of runs in the international cricket arena has become one of the biggest headlines for the Women's Asia Cup 2026 as Smriti Mandhana has joined the club of women cricketers who had scored first.Women cricketer Smriti Mandhana has become one of the biggest names of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 as she scored her maiden innings to join the club of women cricketers who scored first in order to be even with Mithali Raj's tally of runs. It was a milestone not just because of this, it was the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. 

The Innings That Rewrote the Record Books

This historic day finally came when India took on Hong Kong in the Asia Cup in Dubai International Stadium on 3rd September, 2026. The blistering 124 was for Mandhana who had hit 14 four and seven sixes in 64 balls, helping India nail a huge 193 target. India then go on to put Hong Kong out for 56-run victory to secure their semi-final berth in the tournament.  

Crossing Mithali Raj's Milestone

Mandhana extended Mithali Raj's tally to 10,868 runs for India in international cricket during the 18th over when she scored three four hit sixes. Her career tally of 10,880 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is put her at the top of the women's run-scoring charts when she retired from the game on the third ball of the final over. 

Khelostar Looks at the Numbers Behind the Milestone

For fans tracking the biggest storylines in the sport through platforms like Khelostar, where competitive spirit, challenges, and fun titles come together, this record ranks among the standout cricketing moments of the year. The updated list of the leading run-scorers in women's international cricket now reads as follows:

• Smriti Mandhana – 10,880 runs

• Mithali Raj – 10,868 runs

• Suzie Bates – 10,740 runs

• Charlotte Edwards – 10,273 runs

More Than Just One Record

It also marked Mandhana's 18th international century, which preceded her former Australia captain Meg Lanning. The innings also helped her to become the first player to score 100 runs in the history of the Women's T20 Asia Cup, further proof of her Dubai match-up being complete. 

A Gracious Handover

The 10,868-run player, who has maintained unbeatable consistency in her 21-year career, was no doubt happy and pleased to be accompanied by Mandhana and congratulated her on the feat in public. Later Mandhana said she wasn't even aware of the milestone when she was batting, but only came to know when the game ended. 

A Changing of the Guard in Indian Cricket

While Raj's record has been established on measured, long-form consistency, Mandhana has reached the same milestone by a completely different style of batting; elegant strokeplay with aggressive intent. It's a testament to how the sport has changed over the last ten years and has her being one of the most feared openers in the modern game of golf.

The record comes at a time when women's cricket in India has attracted more and more investors and fans than ever before. Since her debut, over 10 years ago, Mandhana, who has been an integral part of India's batting line up ever since, has developed into the most dependable run-getter in the format, a batsman a captain would build his line up around. 

What Comes Next

With India already through to the semi-finals and Mandhana in irresistible form, the record may not stand untouched for long. New Zealand's Suzie Bates remains the closest active challenger, but with a significant gap still separating the two, Mandhana looks set to extend her lead further before the tournament concludes. If her current momentum is any indication, this milestone looks less like a finish line and more like a new starting point for Indian cricket's leading run-scorer.