Smirti Mandhana makes T20I History in Asian Games Semifinal
Indian cricket fans have a new reason to celebrate . Vice Captain Smriti Mandhana has done what no other cricketer in the world has ever done . On Sunday 20th September 2026 during the Asian Games Semi final against Bangladesh , Smriti become the highest run scorer in T20 International history combining both Men's and Women's cricket .
The Record Moment in Nisshin
Going into the Semi final at Korogi Sports Park Mandhana was just 8 runs short of New Zealand icon Suzie Bates . She didn't take long . With two crisp fours and a couple of singles in her first 7 balls , She went past Bates and etched her name at the top . She played a brilliant cameo of 37 runs off just 19 balls , taking her overall tally to 4788 runs in 171 innings . This is a massive moment because for years, this list was dominated by Men's cricket stars . Mandhana and Bates had already overtaken Pakistan's Babar Azam but now Mandhana has created a clear gap at the top .
All Time Top 5 Runs Scorers in T20I Cricket
1. Smriti Mandhana ( IND-W) -4,758 runs
2. Suzie Bates (NZ-W) - 4,596 runs
3. Babar Azam (PAK-M ) -4,292 runs
4. Jos Buttler ( ENG-M) -4,292 runs
5. Harmanpreet Kaur ( IND-W) -4,287 runs
Not Her First Record This year
2026 is turning out to be Smriti's year. A few weeks ago in the Women's Asia cup She broke another huge record . She surpassed former Captain Mithali Raj 's 10, 868 runs to become the leading run scorer in women's international match cricket across all formats . in women's international cricket across all formats . In the same tournament against Hong Kong , She scored 124 and brought up her 18th international hundred the most by any woman cricketer , breaking Meg Lanning's record , That record was later equaled by South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt .
What About the Match ?
It was the Asian Games 2026 Semi final , India who won the gold medal in Hangzhou 2023 won the toss and chose to bat first against Bangladesh . The team had earlier defeated hosts Japan in the quarter final and is now one win away from defending its gold . Mandhana's quick start gave India exactly the momentum they needed .
Why This Record Matters
This isn't just a number . It shows the dominance and consistency of Smriti Mandhana for over a decade . To stay on the top of the list that includes the best male T20I players in the world like Jos Buttler and Babar Azam proves her class . From being a young prodigy to now becoming the face of Women's cricket , Smriti's journey is an inspiration