Smriti Mandhana made history on Friday, April 17 by becoming India’s leading run-scorer in T20Is during the first women’s T20I against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban.
The left-hander went past Rohit Sharma after India were asked to bat first. Mandhana reached the milestone with a single off Sune Luus when he reached level with Rohit on 4,231 runs during the Australian tour earlier this year.
South Africa vs India Women’s 1st T20I Update | Scorecard
However, it was a short stay at the wicket for the Indian vice-captain who managed 13 runs off 14 balls, including a six, before Ayabonga Khaka was dismissed.
Overall, Mandhana now has 4,244 runs in 161 T20Is at an average of 30.53 and a strike rate of 124.45, including one century and 33 half-centuries.
Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, ended his career with 4231 runs from 159 matches, including five centuries and 32 fifties.
HOW SMRITI MANDHANA PLAYED AGAINST THE PROTEAS
Mandhana’s innings at Kingsmead was a combination of fluency, intent and a short lapse that cut short a promising start. Opening the innings alongside Shafali Verma, she looked good from the start, working the ball into the gaps and keeping the scoreboard moving.
She got off the mark with a crisp drive to long on and soon followed it up with a neatly timed swing at mid-wicket, showing early control of the new ball.
As her innings progressed, Mandhana began to expand her range. A standout moment came when she picked up Chloe Tryon’s length early on, turned cleanly and sent a powerful six over backward square leg, a shot that highlighted her timing and authority.
She also turned the strike around effectively as she shared an opening 46 with Shafali Verma in just five overs to give India a flying start. Mandhana looked poised against both pace and spin, mixing tight defense with selective aggression, especially when width was offered.
However, just after Shafali’s dismissal of Tumi Sekhukhune, the momentum shifted. Mandhana tried to drive a full delivery from Ayabonga Khaka outside off stump but failed to hold it and offered a sharp catch to Laura Wolvaardt at cover.
Mandhana will look to get among the runs when India play the second T20I on Sunday, April 19 at the same venue.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
17 Apr 2026 22:27 IST
