Smriti Mandhana Becomes 2nd Indian Woman to Score 7000 Runs

Smriti Mandhana, a standout in Indian cricket, achieved a major milestone on June 16 during a match against South Africa. She became only the second Indian woman cricketer to score over 7,000 runs in international cricket, following Mithali Raj. Mandhana’s achievement came with a superb innings of 117 runs off 127 balls, including 12 fours and a six. This century was special as it was her first on home turf and her second against South Africa.

Born in Chennai and raised in Sangli, Maharashtra, Mandhana’s cricket journey began early when she joined the Maharashtra Under-15 team at nine years old. Her passion for cricket was sparked by watching her brother play in U-16 tournaments.

At just 17, Mandhana made headlines by scoring an unbeaten 224 runs off 150 balls in a one-day game against Gujarat in 2013. She made her international debut in 2014 against England in a Test match, playing a crucial role in India’s victory.

Throughout her career, Mandhana has achieved several milestones, including her first international century against Australia in 2016. She has received numerous awards, such as the Best Women’s International Cricketer from the BCCI in 2018 and the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2019.

Recently, Mandhana led the Royal Challengers Bangalore to victory in the Women’s Premier League 2024, showcasing her leadership skills. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the importance of self-belief and resilience in her success.

Smriti Mandhana continues to inspire with her talent and determination, proving herself as a role model for aspiring cricketers in India and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in achieving greatness in sports.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the People.