Smriti Mandhana Shatters 28-Year-Old Record in Stunning Achievement
Smriti Mandhana has taken the world by storm with a remarkable cricketing achievement. Her recent feat of setting a new Women’s ODI record in 2025 signifies a major milestone.
Breaking the 28-Year-Old Record
In October 2025, Smriti Mandhana broke a longstanding Women’s ODI record that had remained untouched for 28 years. She scored a total of 1,359 runs in a single calendar year, surpassing Debbie Hockley’s 1997 record of 1,258 runs. This achievement underscores her brilliance and marks a significant moment in women’s cricket history.
Journey From Talent to Legend
Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Smriti Mandhana’s journey in cricket began in her early years, inspired by her brother’s local matches. Her prodigious talent became apparent in her late teens, and she quickly emerged as a key player in Indian women’s cricket. Her elegant performances during the 2017 Women’s World Cup soon made her a household name internationally.
The Record-Breaking Year
The year 2025 will forever be associated with Mandhana’s unparalleled cricket success. She showed exceptional prowess against top teams like Australia, England, and Bangladesh. Her impressive stats for the year include:
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Runs | 1,359 |
| Centuries | 6 |
| Half-Centuries | 9 |
| Batting Average | 67.95 |
| Strike Rate | 94.2 |
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Mandhana’s achievement prompted widespread praise from players and fans alike. Former Indian captain Mithali Raj hailed her as “the torchbearer of Indian women’s cricket.” Debbie Hockley, whose record Mandhana broke, also lauded her efforts, acknowledging the raised bar for the new generation.
Women’s Cricket in India: A New Era
Mandhana’s success reflects the growing prominence of women’s cricket in India. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been instrumental in this transformation, offering women cricketers a platform equal to their male counterparts. Enhanced television coverage and increased sponsorship have further elevated the women’s game.
The Essence of Mandhana’s Success
What distinguishes Smriti Mandhana is her ability to blend traditional technique with modern aggression. Her graceful cover drives and powerful shots epitomize her ability to perform in all conditions. Off the field, Mandhana remains humble and dedicated to inspiring future generations.
As women’s sports continue to garner more attention, Mandhana’s record serves as a beacon of gender equality on the cricket field. It demonstrates that women can achieve feats just as extraordinary as the men.
As 2025 concludes, Smriti Mandhana’s record stands not just as a historical achievement but also as a source of inspiration for the future, embodying elegance, determination, and unparalleled excellence in cricket.
