Smriti Mandhana continues to redefine benchmarks in Indian women’s cricket. The elegant left-hander etched her name into the record books during the first Women’s T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam, becoming the first Indian woman to cross 4,000 runs in T20 internationals.
It was another landmark moment in a career built on consistency, class, and controlled aggression — one that places Mandhana firmly among the global elite in the shortest format.
A Global Milestone, Achieved Faster
Mandhana is now only the second woman in world cricket to reach the 4,000-run mark in T20Is, joining New Zealand great Suzie Bates. What makes the feat even more striking is the speed at which it arrived.
The Indian opener reached the milestone in just 3,227 balls — significantly quicker than Bates, who took 3,675 deliveries — underlining Mandhana’s attacking intent and reliability at the top of the order.
Quiet Knock, Historic Impact
Chasing a modest target of 122, Mandhana scored 25 off 25 balls before falling in the ninth over. While her innings was brief, it was enough to push her past the historic mark, proving once again that milestones don’t always require headline-grabbing scores.
The match also marked her first international appearance since India’s memorable ODI World Cup triumph last month, adding further significance to the occasion.
Bowlers Set the Platform
Earlier, India’s bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined effort, restricting Sri Lanka to 121 for six. Partnerships were hard to come by as the visitors struggled to convert starts into momentum.
Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with 39 off 43 balls, while Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama chipped in with useful contributions. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu showed early intent but was removed by young pacer Kranti Gaud, handing India a timely breakthrough.
Control in Challenging Conditions
Despite dew making conditions tricky, India maintained control through the middle overs. Deepti Sharma delivered another economical spell, while debutant Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with her composure, conceding very few runs on her international bow.
The result itself may fade with time, but Mandhana’s achievement won’t. Crossing 4,000 T20I runs is more than a statistic — it’s a reflection of her longevity, adaptability, and enduring impact on Indian women’s cricket.
