Smriti Mandhana is on the verge of making history in women's T20 international cricket. The Indian vice-captain needs just 78 more runs to overtake New Zealand's Suzie Bates and become the highest run-scorer in women's T20I cricket. India face Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai on Saturday, September 5, giving Mandhana a prime opportunity to reach the landmark.
Mandhana currently has 4,681 runs from 173 T20Is across 167 innings, at an average of 30.79 and a strike rate of 126.54. She has scored
two centuries and 35 fifties in the format. Bates, who currently holds the record, has accumulated 4,758 runs in 186 T20Is and 178 innings at an average of 28.83 and a strike rate of 108.60, with one century and 28 fifties. The gap between the two stands at 77 runs, meaning Mandhana requires 78 to go past the New Zealand batter's tally.
Mandhana arrived at this milestone on the back of a commanding knock against Hong Kong earlier in the tournament. She struck 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong, an innings that made her the leading run-scorer and century-maker in women's cricket at the Women's Asia Cup 2026.
How has Mandhana performed against Pakistan in T20Is?
Mandhana has a solid record against Pakistan in women's T20Is. Across 11 innings against the arch-rivals, she has scored 307 runs at an average of 30.70 and a strike rate of 111.23. She has registered two fifties against Pakistan in the format, with a best score of 68. The left-hander will be keen to add to those numbers when the two sides meet in Dubai.
India's clash with Pakistan is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Mandhana's form heading into the match gives India a strong platform at the top of the order, and the record chase adds another dimension to her individual contest against Pakistan's bowlers.
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What does the record mean for Mandhana's T20I career?
Reaching the top of the all-time women's T20I run-scoring list would be a significant career milestone for Mandhana. She has played 173 T20Is and maintained a strike rate of 126.54, which is notably higher than Bates's career strike rate of 108.60. Mandhana's two T20I centuries and 35 fifties underline her consistency at the top of the order across a long international career.
