I never imagined it: Smriti Mandhana reacts after breaking Mithali Raj’s record

Smriti Mandhana produced a record 124 against Hong Kong in the Women’s Asia Cup on Thursday, an innings that saw her overtake Mithali Raj as the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. The Indian vice-captain also became the first Indian woman with two T20I centuries and admitted that she never imagined she could surpass her childhood role model.

Mandhana surpassed Mithali’s previous mark of 10,868 international runs during India’s 137-run victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on its social media, Mandhana reflected on the significance of the achievement.

India vs Hong Kong, Women’s Asia Cup: Highlights | Scorecard

“Mithali-di was such a legend and a role model and we all grew up watching her bat. So to go past her in the run tally, I definitely didn’t think of doing that. But I’m happy that there are two Indians in the top two,” Mandhana said.

The opener admitted that she was unaware of the record when batting as she did not know the exact numbers. It wasn’t until after the shift that she could appreciate the magnitude of the moment.

“Until I was batting, I didn’t know what the record was because I didn’t know the exact runs or all that. But yes, looking back, one of the very good days for Indian cricket I would say,” she said.

MANDHANA’S NIGHT OF RECORDS

Mandhana’s 124 off 64 balls, containing 14 fours and seven sixes, was the highest individual score in the history of the Women’s Asia Cup T20. She also brought up her 18th international century, moving ahead of Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, who each had 17.

Reflecting on the century record, Mandhana again mentioned the influence of the two former stars on her career.

“The two legends of women’s cricket – Meg Lanning and Mithali Raj – those are really two people I grew up watching and watching a lot. I tried to take a lot of things from them like batting.”

“I’m really glad I was able to get past them in any way I could but then again it’s just a statistic I’d say.

Her innings took India to 193 for five before the bowlers dismissed Hong Kong for 56 in 16.2 overs. The 137-run victory made India the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup.

Mandhana also backed India’s middle order despite struggling in the opening matches, describing her teammates as “world class” and confident that they will adapt to the conditions. She also acknowledged the physical demands of batting for long periods in Dubai’s heat and humidity, describing the conditions as a “steam box”.

India will next face Pakistan in their final match of the Women’s Asia Cup group stage on September 5, with the team already assured of a place in the semi-finals.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

04 Sep 2026 12:38 IST