Smriti Mandhana etched her name deeper into cricketing history by becoming the fastest Indian woman to reach 5,000 runs in One Day Internationals, achieving the feat during India’s match against Australia. The left-handed opener reached the milestone in her 112th ODI appearance, solidifying her place among the elite batters in world cricket.
Mandhana’s journey to 5,000 runs has been marked by consistent excellence and elegance. Known for her ability to dominate both pace and spin, she has become the backbone of India’s batting lineup. Her innings against Australia was a blend of poise and power, and the moment she brought up the milestone — with a trademark lofted stroke over extra cover — symbolized the attacking style that has defined her career.
At just 29, Mandhana has built an ODI record that few can rival. Since making her debut in 2013, she has developed into one of the most reliable openers in women’s cricket, combining classical technique with modern aggression. Her average and strike rate place her among the world’s best, and she has delivered in every major competition — from World Cups to bilateral series.
The achievement also carries special weight given India’s growing ambitions in women’s cricket. Over the years, Mandhana has been a consistent performer and a role model for the next generation of players. Her 5,000-run milestone comes during a phase when she is at the peak of her form — already having scored over a thousand runs in 2025, including multiple centuries and match-winning contributions.
Her consistency has been India’s greatest weapon in the top order. Whether it’s chasing big totals or building innings from difficult starts, Mandhana has provided stability and aggression in equal measure. She has often been compared to Rohit Sharma for her timing and placement, and her ability to lift the team’s morale has made her a natural leader, both on and off the field.
In reaching 5,000 runs faster than any other Indian woman, Mandhana surpassed the milestones achieved by legends like Mithali Raj. The record not only highlights her individual brilliance but also reflects the evolution of India’s women’s team into a world-class unit. Her fitness, adaptability, and hunger for runs continue to set her apart in a generation that’s rapidly pushing the boundaries of women’s cricket.
Australia’s players, while disappointed at being on the receiving end of another Mandhana masterclass, acknowledged her impact on the global stage. Her innings demonstrated how far India’s batting depth has come — and how pivotal Mandhana remains in that growth.
As the World Cup and other major series continue, Mandhana’s milestone serves as a reminder that Indian cricket’s next chapter in women’s ODIs will likely be written around her bat. It’s not just about the 5,000 runs — it’s about how she got there: with flair, consistency, and an unyielding hunger to lead India to glory.
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