India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana is on the verge of breaking a 28-year-old record in women’s ODI cricket. She is just a few runs away from surpassing Belinda Clark’s tally of 970 runs in a single calendar year, a mark set in 1997 that has stood the test of time.
Mandhana’s form in 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has scored 959 runs so far in 16 innings, including four centuries and three fifties, demonstrating both consistency and the ability to accelerate when needed. Her highest score this year, 135, was a commanding innings that showcased her mastery over pace and spin alike.
What makes this record chase particularly notable is the context. Clark set her record in a different era, with fewer matches and less frequent international tours. Mandhana has achieved her tally in a more competitive environment, with stronger bowling attacks, challenging pitches, and increased pressure due to media and fan expectations. Her near-record form underlines her adaptability and mental resilience in modern cricket.
Mandhana’s performances have been pivotal for India in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. She has provided solid starts at the top of the order, often anchoring the innings when early wickets fell. In several matches, her partnerships have been instrumental in guiding India to competitive totals or successful chases, emphasizing her value not just as a prolific run-scorer but as a dependable leader on the field.
The upcoming fixtures are now more than just matches; they carry personal significance for Mandhana. Every run brings her closer to history, and her team is aware of the milestone looming on the horizon. While she has approached this chase with focus and discipline, Mandhana remains mindful of the larger goal — contributing to India’s success in the tournament.
Mandhana herself has remained grounded about the record. She has stressed that her priority is the team’s performance, noting that personal milestones are secondary to collective achievement. “We are focused on winning matches and playing consistently as a team,” she said. “Records are wonderful, but the bigger aim is our performance as a squad.”
Achieving Clark’s record would cement Mandhana’s status as one of the greatest batters in women’s cricket history. It would also reflect the growth of the women’s game globally, highlighting the higher standards, increased competitiveness, and greater visibility today compared to decades ago.
As Mandhana edges closer to this historic milestone, the cricketing world watches eagerly. Beyond numbers, her chase symbolizes excellence, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure — qualities that define the legends of the sport. If she succeeds, Smriti Mandhana will not only surpass a longstanding record but also inspire a new generation of young cricketers to aim for the extraordinary.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025