Indian batter Smriti Mandhana etched her name into cricketing history on Sunday, becoming both the quickest and youngest player ever to reach 5000 runs in Women’s One Day Internationals. This incredible milestone was achieved during India’s World Cup clash against Australia at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Mandhana’s fluent 80 runs off just 66 balls, featuring nine fours and three elegant sixes, perfectly showcased the class and composure that have defined her illustrious career. Her exceptional innings not only gave India a dominant start but also reaffirmed her status as one of the finest batters in modern cricket.
At just 29 years old, Mandhana’s record-breaking journey to 5000 runs saw her surpass several legends who previously held the benchmark in women’s cricket. Her consistent brilliance, undeniable flair, and unwavering determination truly reflect the increasing strength and global recognition of Indian women’s cricket. Her knock today was a masterful blend of aggressive stroke play and graceful timing, as she expertly punished deliveries outside off-stump and drove confidently through the covers. She also forged a commanding 155-run opening partnership with debutant Pratika Rawal, who impressed with an unbeaten 67 off 85 balls, smartly rotating the strike and perfectly complementing Mandhana’s attacking style.
Australia, after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, found themselves with little success against India’s disciplined batting lineup. The breakthrough eventually came from Sophie Molineux, who dismissed Mandhana for 80 after the Indian opener miscued a shot to Phoebe Litchfield.
This outstanding achievement adds another golden chapter to Mandhana’s already stellar career. From her debut as a teenager to now holding the record as the youngest and fastest to 5000 ODI runs, her impact on the game is undeniable. As the crowd in Visakhapatnam erupted in thunderous applause, it was clear that this milestone represented far more than just a statistic; it was a testament to her enduring talent and a beacon for women’s cricket worldwide.