Smriti Mandhana makes history in Asain Games semi-final, becomes leading run-scorer in Women’s T20I
Smriti Mandhana (AFP Photo) Smriti Mandhana made history in the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games by becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s T20I cricket. The Indian opener hit the milestones during a blistering start against Bangladesh as India raced to 71/1 in a bid to secure a place in the gold medal match.India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first in the second semi-final. Mandhana and Shafali Verma got off to an explosive start and put the Bangladesh bowlers under pressure right from the start.
Mandhana beats Suzie Bates
Mandhana made 37 off just 19 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes before her innings ended in the last over of the over. She attempted another sweep from Nahid Akter but mistimed the shot, with Sobhana Mostary completing the catch at deep mid-wicket.Despite her dismissal, Mandhana has already written her name in the record books, surpassing New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is. She also became the first Indian woman to hit 100 sixes in the format.
Most runs in Women’s T20Is
Player runs Smriti Mandhana4,788 Suzie Bates4,758 Harmanpreet Kaur4,287 Chamari Athapaththu4,282 Sophie Devine3,817
India is off to a fast start
Shafali joined Mandhan in attacking the Bangladesh bowling and helped India reach 71/1 in the first six overs. The opening stand gave India an early boost in the high-stakes competition and a place in the gold medal match is on the line.
Playing XI for India Women Vs. Bangladesh women in Asain games semi-finals
India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud.Bangladeshi women: Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (week/c), Shorna Akter, Sharmin Akhter, Shanjida Akter Meghla, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun.