A Landmark Moment in Indian Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana Scripts a New T20I Benchmark: Indian batting icon Smriti Mandhana created history by becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to cross 4,000 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals.
The milestone was achieved during the first Women’s T20I against Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam, marking a defining chapter in Indian women’s cricket.
This achievement reflects not just longevity but sustained excellence in the shortest format.
Mandhana’s consistency across different conditions and oppositions has made her one of the most reliable batters in world cricket.
Entry into an Elite Global Club
With this feat, Mandhana became only the second woman globally to reach 4,000 T20I runs.
She joined New Zealand legend Suzie Bates, placing herself among the elite batters in women’s T20 cricket history.
The record highlights India’s growing dominance in women’s cricket.
Mandhana’s performance also underlines the increasing competitiveness and professionalism of the women’s game.
Static GK fact: Women’s T20 Internationals were officially introduced by the ICC in 2004, with New Zealand and England playing the first-ever match.
Fastest to the Milestone
What makes Mandhana’s record exceptional is the speed at which she achieved it.
She reached the 4,000-run mark in just 3,227 balls, the fastest by any woman cricketer.
In comparison, Suzie Bates took 3,675 deliveries to reach the same landmark.
This difference highlights Mandhana’s aggressive batting style and superior strike rotation.
Static GK Tip: Strike rate in T20 cricket is calculated as runs scored per 100 balls faced, making ball efficiency a key performance indicator.
Match Context and Individual Contribution
In the Visakhapatnam T20I, Mandhana scored 25 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed in the ninth over.
Though the innings was modest, it carried historic significance as it pushed her past the 4,000-run milestone.
This match was also her first international appearance after India’s Women’s ODI World Cup triumph.
Her return added stability and confidence to the Indian batting lineup.
Bowling Performance Sets the Stage
India’s bowlers laid a strong foundation by restricting Sri Lanka Women to 121 for six.
Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with 39 runs, while captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed early.
Deepti Sharma delivered an economical spell, maintaining pressure through the middle overs.
Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with her composure, signaling India’s strong bench strength.
Static GK fact: The Indian women’s cricket team played its first international match in 1976, making steady progress on the global stage since then.
Why the Record Matters
Mandhana’s milestone is more than a personal achievement.
It symbolizes India’s rising stature in women’s cricket and inspires a new generation of players.
Her record reinforces the importance of consistency, fitness, and adaptability in modern T20 cricket.
It also strengthens India’s leadership presence in global women’s sports.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Smriti Mandhana Scripts a New T20I Benchmark:
| Topic | Detail |
| Player | Smriti Mandhana |
| Record | First Indian woman to cross 4,000 T20I runs |
| Global Position | Second woman after Suzie Bates |
| Balls Taken | 3,227 balls (fastest in women’s T20Is) |
| Match | India vs Sri Lanka, Women’s T20I |
| Venue | Visakhapatnam |
| India Bowling Highlight | Deepti Sharma’s economical spell |
| Opposition Captain | Chamari Athapaththu |
