Smriti Mandhana becomes leading T20I run-scorer; Jay Shah lauds her

ICC chairman Jay Shah praised Smriti Mandhana after she became the top run-scorer in women's T20Is during the Asian Games 2026 semifinal. Mandhana surpassed Suzie Bates' record, scoring 37 to help India beat Bangladesh and reach the final.

India's Smriti Mandhana. (Photo: ANI)

International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah congratulated Indian opener Smriti Mandhana after she became the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 International cricket during the Asian Games 2026 semifinal against Bangladesh on Sunday.

Shah praised Mandhana’s achievement in a post on X, saying the Indian batter was setting new benchmarks for women’s cricket and inspiring young players. "Many congratulations to @mandhana_smriti for going top of the Women’s T20I run charts (4,788 runs). By rewriting history, you are lifting women’s cricket to new heights and setting the standard for young dreamers everywhere. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!" Shah wrote on X.

Mandhana Rewrites T20I Record Books

Mandhana surpassed New Zealand great Suzie Bates’ tally of 4,758 runs to move to the top of the all-time women’s T20I run-scoring list. The Indian left-hander reached the milestone during the second semifinal against Bangladesh at Korogi Sports Park.

Mandhana’s knock of 37 off 19 balls, which included five fours and two sixes, helped India make a brisk start alongside Shafali Verma. The pair added 72 runs for the opening wicket before Mandhana was dismissed.

India Books Final Berth

India went on to defeat Bangladesh by 114 runs to book their place in the gold-medal match, where they will face Sri Lanka. The island nation secured its place in the final after beating Pakistan by eight wickets in the first semifinal.

An Impressive International Career

Mandhana’s achievement adds to her impressive international record. She has scored 10,964 runs across formats, while Harmanpreet Kaur is third on the women’s T20I run charts with 4,287 runs. Suzie Bates is second with 4,758 runs, followed by Harmanpreet, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu (4,282) and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine (3,817) in the top five.

Mandhana’s record came as India continued their campaign for a gold medal at the Asian Games, with the team set to face Sri Lanka in the final. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)