Smriti Mandhana scripts history with most WODI runs in calendar year

Published - 09 Oct 2025, 18:03 IST | Updated - 09 Oct 2025, 18:34 IST

Ace Indian top-order batter Smriti Mandhana carved out a historic feat by breaking a 28-record in women's ODI cricket to become the batter with the most runs in a calendar year in the format. Smriti overtook Belinda Clark's 970-run tally during Match 10 of the Women's World Cup 2025 between India Women and South Africa Women in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, October 9.

The ace opening batter got past Belinda's count (which was achieved in 1997) with a clean hit down the ground on the first ball of the eighth over of India's innings. Smriti was eventually dismissed for a 32-ball 23-run knock by holing out to Sune Luus at long-on off the bowling of Nonkululeko Mlaba in her first over of the game.

Smriti did not quite get off to the best of starts with the bat, though. She managed to crawl to only seven off her first 20 balls. The Mumbai-born then broke free on her 21st delivery by smacking a six. Her first boundary came on the first ball of the 10th over. The left-handed batter welcomed Nadine de Klerk with a classic four over mid-wicket.

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The South Africans won the toss and opted to field first. Smriti was the first batter to get dismissed. The opening duo of Smriti and Pratika Rawal added 55 for the first wicket. She registered scores of 8 and 23 in the first two Women's World Cup 2025 matches prior to the ongoing clash against Sri Lanka (September 30) and Pakistan (October 5), respectively.