Smriti Mandhana made history on Friday, April 17, becoming India’s leading run-scorer in T20Is during the first women’s T20I against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban.
The left-hander went past Rohit Sharma’s tally after India were asked to bat first. Mandhana reached the milestone with a single off Sune Luus, having drawn level with Rohit on 4,231 runs during the Australia tour earlier this year.
However, it was a brief stay at the crease for the India vice-captain, who managed 13 runs off 14 balls, including a six, before being dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka.
Overall, Mandhana now has 4,244 runs in 161 T20Is at an average of 30.53 and a strike rate of 124.45, including one century and 33 half-centuries.
Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, finished his career with 4,231 runs from 159 matches, featuring five centuries and 32 fifties.
HOW SMRITI MANDHANA PLAYED AGAINST PROTEAS
Mandhana’s innings at Kingsmead was a mix of fluency, intent, and a brief lapse that cut short a promising start. Opening the innings alongside Shafali Verma, she looked in good touch from the outset, working the ball into gaps and keeping the scoreboard moving.
She got off the mark with a crisp drive to long-off and soon followed it up with a neatly timed flick through midwicket, showing early control against the new ball.
As her innings progressed, Mandhana began to expand her range. A standout moment came when she picked up Chloe Tryon’s length early, swivelling cleanly to send a powerful six over backward square leg, a shot that highlighted her timing and authority.
She also rotated strike effectively, sharing a 46-run opening stand with Shafali Verma in just five overs, providing India with a brisk start. Mandhana looked composed against both pace and spin, mixing solid defence with selective aggression, especially when offered width.
However, just after Shafali’s dismissal to Tumi Sekhukhune, the momentum shifted. Mandhana attempted to drive a full delivery from Ayabonga Khaka outside off stump but failed to keep it down, offering a sharp catch to Laura Wolvaardt at cover.
Mandhana will be looking to get amongst the runs when India play the second T20I on Sunday, April 19 at the same venue.
