Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the record books, achieving a monumental milestone that no other Indian cricketer has ever reached. During the first T20 International against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, Mandhana became the first Indian batter, across both men's and women's cricket, to score 3000 runs in T20 Internationals.
A Landmark Innings in Dambulla
The historic moment arrived during India's innings at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Saturday. Mandhana, known for her elegant left-handed strokeplay, entered the match needing just 10 runs to reach the coveted 3000-run mark. She achieved the feat comfortably, cementing her status as one of the format's greats. Her innings was crucial in setting up a competitive total for the Indian women's cricket team.
This achievement places Mandhana in an elite global group. She is now only the second woman cricketer from Asia to cross 3000 T20I runs, joining Pakistan's veteran Bismah Maroof. On the worldwide stage, she stands alongside legends like New Zealand's Suzie Bates and Australia's all-time leading run-scorer Beth Mooney in this exclusive club.
Joining the Global Elite
Smriti Mandhana's journey to 3000 T20I runs is a testament to her consistency and class at the top of the order. Making her T20I debut back in 2013, she has been a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade. Her game is built on a foundation of sound technique combined with an array of powerful drives and cuts, making her one of the most watchable batters in the world.
The significance of this record is amplified by the fact that she has reached this milestone before any of her illustrious male counterparts. Star Indian batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, despite their towering achievements in the format, are yet to cross the 3000-run threshold in T20 Internationals, highlighting the scale of Mandhana's accomplishment.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
This record is more than just a personal milestone for Smriti Mandhana; it is a landmark moment for Indian women's cricket. It underscores the growth, visibility, and sheer performance level that players like Mandhana have brought to the sport in the country. Her success inspires a new generation of young girls to pick up the bat and dream big.
As the Women in Blue continue their series against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on Mandhana to build on this record and lead the team's charge with her batting prowess. This historic feat solidifies her legacy as a pioneer and a powerhouse in the modern game.
The Indian team will look to carry the momentum forward in the subsequent matches of the T20I series. With Mandhana in such historic form, the team's prospects look bright as they aim for a series victory on Sri Lankan soil.
