Indian women's cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stands on the cusp of a monumental achievement. The elegant left-handed batter is a mere 28 runs away from entering the prestigious club of players with 10,000 or more runs in international women's cricket.
A Historic Feat Within Reach
Currently, the legendary Mithali Raj is the sole Indian woman cricketer to have scaled this peak, having amassed a staggering 10,868 runs across formats during her illustrious career. Mandhana's impending entry will make her only the second Indian woman to join this elite group, a testament to her consistency and class over the years.
As of now, Mandhana's international run tally stands at an impressive 9,972 runs. This includes contributions from all three formats: Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Her journey to this landmark has been marked by graceful stroke-play and match-winning knocks that have made her a fan favorite and a pillar of the Indian batting line-up.
The South Africa Series: A Stage for History
The perfect opportunity to reach this milestone presents itself in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on June 16, 2024. The series opener will be played in Bengaluru, followed by the second and third matches on June 19 and June 23, respectively.
This series is not just crucial for Mandhana's personal milestone but also serves as vital preparation for the Indian team ahead of major global tournaments. The matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with all eyes on the prolific opener as she approaches the magic number.
Breaking Down Mandhana's Run Tally
Smriti Mandhana's 9,972 runs have come through a blend of aggressive and anchoring innings. A closer look at her statistics reveals her dominance in the white-ball formats, where she has been a consistent performer for India.
Her career highlights include:
- Multiple centuries and half-centuries across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
- Being a key architect in many of India's famous victories.
- Consistently ranking among the world's top batters in the ICC rankings.
Reaching the 10,000-run mark will solidify her status as one of the modern greats of the game and an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation. It underscores a career built on hard work, technical prowess, and the ability to perform under pressure.
The cricketing fraternity awaits what seems like an inevitable achievement. When Smriti Mandhana scores those next 28 runs, she will not just be etching her name in the record books but also carrying forward the rich legacy of Indian women's cricket pioneered by icons like Mithali Raj.
