Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana achieved a monumental career milestone on Sunday, entering the exclusive 10,000-run club in international cricket. This landmark was reached during the second T20 International against South Africa at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where she played a pivotal innings of 70 runs off 50 balls.
A Landmark Innings and a Near Miss
While Mandhana's elegant knock powered India to a commanding position, it was bittersweet as she fell just 30 runs short of a well-deserved second T20I century. Her innings, studded with 10 boundaries and a six, showcased her class and timing but ended in the 19th over when she was caught by Tazmin Brits off the bowling of Nonkululeko Mlaba. Despite missing the three-figure mark, her contribution was instrumental in India posting a formidable total of 177 for six.
Mandhana's journey to 10,000 runs is a testament to her consistency and longevity at the top of the order. She now stands as only the second Indian woman to cross this elite threshold, joining her captain Harmanpreet Kaur in this distinguished group. Among active players globally, she is the fifth to achieve this feat, placing her among the modern greats of the women's game.
Joining an Elite Club and Sealing the Series
The left-handed opener reached the milestone in her 232nd international match. Her run tally, a combination of Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, underscores her adaptability and value across all formats. This achievement adds another glittering chapter to a career already decorated with numerous records and match-winning performances.
Beyond the personal milestone, the match was crucial for the team's fortunes. Riding on Mandhana's foundation and a quickfire 30 from Shafali Verma, India set a challenging target. The bowlers, led by Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav who took two wickets each, then delivered a disciplined performance to restrict South Africa. The visitors managed only 130 for eight in their 20 overs, handing India a comprehensive 78-run victory.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
This win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, marking a strong comeback after losing the preceding ODI series. The team's dominant display, spearheaded by Mandhana's historic day, sends a powerful message ahead of future competitions.
Smriti Mandhana's entry into the 10,000-run club is more than just a number. It symbolizes the growth of women's cricket in India and the rise of a generation of players who are now global superstars. Her achievement, coupled with the team's series win, makes July 7, 2024, a significant date in the annals of Indian women's cricket. As the team looks forward to the final T20I, all eyes will be on Mandhana to see what other records she can break in the coming years.
