Mandhana Becomes All-Time Leading Women's Run-Scorer at Asia Cup

Smriti Mandhana became the all-time leading run-scorer in women's international cricket on Thursday, crossing Mithali Raj's previous record of 10,868 runs during India Women's group-stage match against Hong Kong Women at the Women's T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, per BBC Sport.

Mandhana scored 124 runs from 64 balls in the fixture at Dubai International Stadium. India posted 193 for 5 in 20 overs, while Hong Kong were bowled out for 56 in 16.2 overs, according to BBC Sport. The 30-year-old now stands at 10,880 runs across all formats of international cricket.

The century was Mandhana's 18th in all formats, taking her past Australia's Meg Lanning's previous record for most international centuries in women's cricket, per BBC Sport. Mandhana made her India debut in 2013.

When asked about the milestone immediately after the match, Mandhana told BBC Sport: "Until I was batting, I didn't know what record because I didn't know what exact runs I had scored. But, looking back, I'd say a very good day for Indian cricket." She described Mithali Raj, the former India captain whose record she surpassed, as "a legend and a role model" and said going past her record was something she "never imagined doing."

Mithali Raj herself marked the moment on social media. She posted on X, per BBC Sport: "I've watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I'm genuinely proud of. Here's to many more runs and milestones. Keep going!"

India lead Group A of the Women's T20 Asia Cup heading into Saturday's fixture against Pakistan at the same venue, with Pakistan in second place, according to BBC Sport.