Smriti Mandhana made history on Sunday, October 12, by becoming the fastest Indian batter to score 5,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, achieving the milestone in just 112 innings during her 80-run knock against Australia in the Women’s World Cup 2025 match in Visakhapatnam.
She surpassed Virat Kohli’s record of 114 innings and is now the quickest woman ever to reach the mark, standing behind only Babar Azam (97 innings) and Hashim Amla (101 innings) globally. T
he BCCI, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and fans worldwide celebrated her achievement, which also included becoming the first batter to cross 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year, breaking Belinda Clark’s 1997 record.
A Record-Breaking Knock in Vizag
Mandhana’s fluent 80 off 66 balls, featuring nine fours and three sixes, not only powered India’s innings but also etched her name in the record books. She reached the 5,000-run mark during a dominant 155-run opening stand with debutant Pratika Rawal.
The left-hander’s consistency was further highlighted as she became the youngest and fastest to the milestone, with a career average of 47.37, 13 centuries, and 33 half-centuries. Her 1,062 runs in 2025 alone, at a strike rate of 112.85, underscore her exceptional form and reliability at the top of the order.
From Teen Prodigy to Global Icon
Mandhana, who debuted as a teenager, has steadily risen to become one of the most celebrated figures in women’s cricket. Her journey reflects the growing strength and visibility of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
By surpassing legends like Mithali Raj, who reached 5,000 runs in 144 innings, Mandhana has redefined excellence in the format. Her aggressive yet elegant style has inspired a generation of young batters, and her leadership as former T20I captain continues to shape the team’s identity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Smriti Mandhana’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but a powerful symbol of progress for women in sport. Her record-breaking performance challenges outdated narratives and amplifies the need for equal recognition, investment, and opportunities in women’s cricket. As she rewrites history, she also paves the way for future athletes to dream bigger.
