Smriti Mandhana has rewritten history, becoming the highest run-scorer in a single calendar year in women’s One Day Internationals, surpassing Australian legend Belinda Clark’s 28-year-old record. The milestone came during India’s recent Women’s World Cup clash against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, where Mandhana crossed Clark’s tally of 970 runs from 1997 — finishing the day with 972 runs in just 17 innings.
Clark’s record had stood as one of the most iconic benchmarks in women’s cricket. In 1997, she not only led Australia to World Cup glory but also became the first player, male or female, to score an ODI double century. For nearly three decades, no one came close to matching her season-long dominance. That is, until Mandhana’s extraordinary run of form throughout 2025.
The Indian opener’s achievement is the culmination of a year defined by consistency, adaptability, and big-match temperament. From the early season series against England to the high-pressure World Cup matches at home, Mandhana has been in a different league altogether. She has piled on runs across continents, formats, and bowling attacks — equally comfortable driving through the covers or stepping down the track to loft over mid-on. Her strike rate has remained steady, but what’s impressed most is her conversion rate: half-centuries turning into hundreds, hundreds into match-winning efforts.
When she came out to bat against South Africa, Mandhana needed just 12 runs to break Clark’s record. In the eighth over, she lofted a clean six off Ayabonga Khaka — a signature stroke — to move past 970 runs and claim the record outright. The Visakhapatnam crowd rose in applause, fully aware they were witnessing a historic moment in Indian cricket. Even though India went on to lose the match, Mandhana’s feat became the evening’s headline.
With this record, she now sits at the top of an elite list of batters who have dominated women’s ODIs in a single year. Previous high marks were set by players like Laura Wolvaardt, Debbie Hockley, and Amy Satterthwaite, all of whom had remarkable seasons — but none breached the 970-run barrier. Mandhana’s 2025 run spree now sets a new global standard.
Beyond the numbers, her achievement represents the maturity of a player who has evolved from a promising prodigy into the backbone of Indian women’s cricket. Once known primarily for her elegant stroke play, Mandhana’s game now has grit and resilience to match. She has carried India’s top order through collapses, absorbed pressure in tough chases, and anchored innings when wickets tumbled around her.
This record also symbolizes the growth of women’s cricket itself — more matches, stronger competition, and rising professionalism. Mandhana’s journey mirrors that evolution: from teenage debutant to world-class performer capable of breaking records once thought untouchable.
As India looks ahead in the World Cup, Mandhana’s form will remain crucial. She has already achieved what generations couldn’t — surpassing Belinda Clark’s legendary benchmark — and now, she’s on track to become the first woman ever to reach 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year. For Indian cricket, it’s not just a record — it’s a moment that defines a new era.
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