A landmark moment for Indian cricket as Smriti Mandhana rewrites record books with her stunning knock against Australia in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Visakhapatnam Turns Witness to History
On a bright Sunday evening at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, the Indian crowd rose to its feet to applaud one of the greatest milestones in women’s cricket. Smriti Mandhana, India’s star opener and vice-captain, scripted history by becoming the fastest Indian batter ever male or female — to reach 5,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Her milestone came during the high-stakes ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash between India and Australia, a match that already promised to be a blockbuster. But what unfolded was something far more memorable — a masterclass that cemented Mandhana’s place among cricket’s all-time greats.
A Record-Breaking Knock
Opening the innings for India, Mandhana looked in sublime touch from the very first ball. Confidently driving through the covers and lofting over mid-on with her trademark elegance, she took on the Australian bowlers with calculated aggression.
In just 66 balls, Mandhana raced to 80 runs, peppered with nine fours and three sixes. Each shot was a reflection of her class — fluent, precise, and timed to perfection.
But beyond the flair, it was the significance of this innings that captured the imagination of fans worldwide. That 80-run knock not only anchored India’s innings but also carried Mandhana past the 5,000-run mark in ODIs, a feat she reached in just 112 innings — making her the fastest Indian ever and the youngest woman globally to achieve it.
Breaking Barriers and Beating Legends
Before Mandhana, the record for being the fastest Indian to 5,000 ODI runs was held by Virat Kohli, who had achieved the mark in 114 innings. Surpassing Kohli’s milestone by two innings is not merely a statistical achievement — it symbolizes a new era in Indian cricket where women’s performances are matching and even outpacing their male counterparts.
Globally, only Babar Azam (97 innings) and Hashim Amla (101 innings) have reached the mark faster than Mandhana — placing her third on the all-time list across both men’s and women’s cricket.
This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider that Mandhana did it in just 5,569 balls, outpacing the likes of Stafanie Taylor and Suzie Bates, two of the finest batters in women’s cricket history.
World’s Only Woman to Score 1,000 Runs in a Calendar Year
Adding another feather to her illustrious cap, Mandhana also became the first woman in the world to score over 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year.
Until now, this record had remained untouched, with former Australian captain Belinda Clark’s 970 runs in 1997 standing as the benchmark. Mandhana has now shattered that record, finishing 2025 with 1,062 ODI runs in just 18 innings, averaging nearly 60 with a strike rate of over 112 — numbers that would make even the most dominant male cricketers proud.
India’s Backbone at the Top
Smriti Mandhana’s form has been the cornerstone of India’s success in recent years. Since her debut in 2013, she has evolved from a promising young left-hander to one of the most technically sound and mentally resilient batters in world cricket.
Her partnership with Pratika Rawal, the young debutant who scored a confident 75, produced a massive 155-run opening stand — India’s highest ever against Australia in Women’s World Cup history. The partnership laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 330 runs, a score that eventually helped India dominate much of the match.
With this stand, Mandhana also equaled India’s record for the most fifty-plus opening partnerships in Women’s ODIs, underlining her consistency at the top.
The Journey to 5,000 Runs
Mandhana’s journey to this milestone has been one of grit, evolution, and grace. Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, she began her cricketing journey watching her brother Shravan play. Her family quickly recognized her potential, and by her teenage years, Smriti was already breaking into Maharashtra’s state team.
Her international breakthrough came in 2013, when she debuted against Bangladesh. But her real rise began with her performances in 2017, during the Women’s World Cup in England. Her twin fifties against England and West Indies captured global attention and made her a household name.
Since then, Mandhana has scored 11 centuries and 28 half-centuries in ODIs, combining elegance with power — an attribute that has often drawn comparisons with Sourav Ganguly for her off-side play and with Kohli for her hunger for runs.
Adversity and Comeback
What makes this record even more admirable is the timing. Mandhana had a quiet start to the 2025 World Cup, with low scores in her first few outings — 8, 23, and 23. Critics began questioning whether the burden of expectations was weighing her down.
But true to her champion mindset, she bounced back spectacularly. Her 80-run innings wasn’t just about milestones — it was a message. A message that form is temporary, but class is permanent.
She adjusted her technique, worked on her shot selection, and came back with renewed focus. Her ability to dominate top-quality bowling attacks in crunch situations is what sets her apart from her peers.
Statistical Excellence
Mandhana’s numbers tell a story of sustained brilliance.
- Matches: 140
- Innings: 112
- Runs: 5,002+
- Average: 52.80
- Strike Rate: 90.7
- Centuries: 11
- Fifties: 28
She joins an elite club of only five women in the world to cross the 5,000-run mark in ODIs — alongside Mithali Raj (7,805), Stafanie Taylor (5,504), Suzie Bates (5,212), and Charlotte Edwards (5,193). But none of them did it faster than Mandhana.
India’s New Symbol of Inspiration
Smriti Mandhana’s record is not just about numbers — it’s about representation. For millions of young girls across India, she represents what dedication and self-belief can achieve.
From a time when women’s cricket struggled for recognition, to now — where stadiums are filling up to watch Mandhana and her team — the transformation has been phenomenal.
Mandhana’s success has transcended sport; she has become a symbol of empowerment and aspiration. Her achievements are inspiring a new generation to pick up the bat and dream big.
Expert Reactions and Global Praise
Cricketing legends and fans alike have showered praise on Mandhana’s historic feat.
Former Indian captain Mithali Raj, who herself was the first Indian woman to cross 5,000 ODI runs, tweeted:
- > “Records are meant to be broken, and I’m proud it’s Smriti who’s taken Indian cricket to new heights. Her passion, discipline, and fearless play embody the future of women’s cricket.”
- Australian great Ellyse Perry called Mandhana’s innings “world-class”, adding that “Smriti’s timing and composure are unmatched in modern cricket.”
- Social media erupted with tributes, with hashtags like #Smriti5000, #QueenMandhana, and #IndianCricketHistory trending globally within minutes.
A Catalyst for Women’s Cricket Growth
The rise of Smriti Mandhana has also been pivotal in boosting the popularity of women’s cricket in India. Her performances have not only brought viewership to record highs but have also influenced sponsorships and media attention.
In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Mandhana led the Royal Challengers Bangalore Women’s side with distinction, proving her leadership mettle. Her visibility and consistency are helping bridge the gap between men’s and women’s cricket in India, drawing a more unified cricket audience.
Leadership Beyond Runs
Beyond the runs, Mandhana’s calm demeanor and leadership qualities have made her a key figure in India’s dressing room. Often referred to as “Captain Cool 2.0”, she exudes calmness even under pressure.
Her mentorship of younger talents like Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Pratika Rawal is shaping the next generation of Indian cricket.
Coaches and teammates have often described her as “the heartbeat of the team,” someone who lifts morale and sets the tone both on and off the field.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Cricket Revolution
Mandhana’s latest feat couldn’t have come at a better time. Women’s cricket is undergoing a revolution — with growing global audiences, higher pay scales, and increased participation.
India’s consistent performances on international stages, fueled by icons like Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma, have been instrumental in this shift.
With this new benchmark, Mandhana has once again pushed the envelope, showing that Indian women’s cricket can lead the world not just in talent but also in performance and professionalism.
What Lies Ahead for Mandhana
At just 29, Smriti Mandhana is entering the prime of her career. Having already achieved milestones most can only dream of, she still has many years of cricket left.
Her next targets include:
- Reaching 6,000 ODI runs (which would make her the youngest woman to do so)
- Leading India to an ICC World Cup title
- Continuing to break records across formats — including T20s, where she already has over 3,000 runs.
With her hunger for excellence and fitness levels improving every season, there’s little doubt that Mandhana will continue rewriting history.
A Defining Moment for the Game
Smriti Mandhana’s 5,000-run milestone is more than a number — it’s a defining moment in Indian sporting history. It signifies how far women’s cricket has come and where it’s headed.
From the narrow lanes of Sangli to the global stage of Visakhapatnam, her story mirrors India’s cricketing evolution — from potential to power, from promise to glory.
In the end, as the crowd chanted her name and the stadium screens flashed “FASTEST INDIAN TO 5000 ODI RUNS,” one thing became clear — Smriti Mandhana isn’t just rewriting records; she’s redefining Indian cricket.
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