During Wednesday’s second One-Day International against England in Canterbury, Smriti Mandhana created another record as she became the fastest Indian woman to reach 3000 ODI runs.
Mandhana accomplished this achievement in her 76th ODI innings, surpassing India great Mithali Raj, who did so in 88 innings.
Along with Australia’s Karen Rolton and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, the Indian opener now is tied for third place in all-time list.
The top two positions on the all-time list are secured by Australians Belinda Clark (62) and Meg Lanning (64) respectively.
Mandhana behind Mithali and Harmanpreet
Mandhana, behind Mithali and the current India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, is the third Indian to surpass 3000 ODI runs. Mithali has 7805 runs in 211 innings, which puts her in first place on the ODI batting charts.
Mandhana has five century and 24 half-centuries to her credit, ranking her as the seventh-highest run scorer among all female openers.
The 26-year-old started their ODI series campaign with a handy knock of 91 off 99 that helped India to claim a seven-wicket victory on Sunday in Hove to start the series. She then reached 40 runs off 51 balls in the second ODI before Sophie Ecclestone trapped her in front.
The visitors were a little behind in the game when Kaur, who had led India to win the opening match of the series with an unbeaten 74, walked to the crease and put on a truly remarkable exhibition of ball-striking.
Deol did a good job of supporting the captain, but when she walked back after scoring 58, Kaur hit another gear, and nothing England did even came close to slowing her down.
“I am really happy, everyone utilised their chance. I always enjoy (captaining) and I am getting all the support. Said Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur in a post-match presentation.
“When I was batting, before my first 50, it was not easy to bat on because they were bowling well. After that, I just gave that freedom to myself and looked for all the shots.”
The current series between India and England is the second series in India’s cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship. The competition determines who advances to the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
India is currently leading the points table with 10 points in 5 matches.
