Smriti Mandhana Sets Massive Batting Record, Surpasses South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt To…

Last Updated:December 22, 2024, 20:08 IST

Mandhana’s brilliant knock took her 2024 ODI tally to 1,602 runs, eclipsing Laura Wolvaardt’s 1,593

Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the record books with a breathtaking 91-run innings in the first ODI against West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The left-handed opener, who has been in sublime form in ODIs this year, surpassed South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt to become the player with the most international runs in a calendar year in women’s cricket.

Mandhana’s brilliant knock took her 2024 ODI tally to 1,602 runs, eclipsing Wolvaardt’s 1,593. Though she narrowly missed out on a century, her performance marked a continuation of her remarkable season, during which she has already scored five centuries and ten half-centuries. With two ODIs remaining in the series, she has a chance to further extend her record.

Mandhana’s dominance against the West Indies has been evident, having scored three consecutive half-centuries in India’s recent 2-1 T20I series win in Navi Mumbai. Her 91-run innings in Vadodara, laced with 13 boundaries, set the foundation for India’s commanding total of 314/9.

The opener played a pivotal role in a 110-run partnership with debutant Pratika Rawal, who contributed a solid 40 off 69 balls. Mandhana’s effort provided a perfect platform for the middle order, with Harmanpreet Kaur (34 off 23), Harleen Deol (44 off 50), Richa Ghosh (26 off 12), and Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19) capitalising to push India past the 300-run mark.

For the West Indies, left-arm spinner Zaida James stood out with an impressive five-wicket haul, conceding just 45 runs in her eight-over spell. Despite her efforts, Mandhana’s brilliance ensured India took control of the series opener in style.

Location :

Vadodara, India