In a historic moment for Indian and global cricket, Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the record books—becoming the youngest and fastest batter to reach 5,000 runs in women’s One Day Internationals. The milestone came during her brilliant 80-run knock against Australia in Visakhapatnam at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, a performance that blended elegance, aggression, and unwavering composure under pressure .
At just 28 years and 47 days old, Mandhana surpassed legends like Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards, and Suzie Bates to claim this elite distinction—achieving the feat in only 113 innings, the fewest ever in women’s ODIs.
Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Knock Against Australia
Facing the world champions on a tricky pitch in Vizag, Mandhana walked in with India reeling early. Yet, with trademark cover drives and precise placement, she stitched together a crucial 80 off 94 balls—anchoring the innings and keeping India in the contest against a formidable Aussie attack led by Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown.
Though India ultimately fell short, Mandhana’s innings wasn’t just about runs—it was a statement. Every boundary echoed her journey from a teenage prodigy in Maharashtra to a global icon of women’s sport.
Why This Milestone Matters
Reaching 5,000 ODI runs is a benchmark of longevity, consistency, and class. Mandhana didn’t just hit the mark—she redefined it:
- Youngest ever: 28 years, 47 days (previous: Mithali Raj at 29 years, 193 days)
- Fewest innings: 113 (previous record: 123 by Edwards)
- Only Indian woman with 5000+ ODI runs before turning 29
Her achievement arrives at a pivotal time—just as women’s cricket gains unprecedented visibility through expanded World Cup formats, broadcast deals, and grassroots investment.
Smriti Mandhana’s Career by the Numbers
| Statistic | Figure (as of Oct 2025) |
|---|---|
| ODI Matches | 128 |
| ODI Runs | 5,021 |
| Highest Score | 135 vs England (2018) |
| Centuries | 8 |
| Average | 42.55 |
| Strike Rate | 86.3 |
As [INTERNAL_LINK:Women Cricket] continues its global ascent, Mandhana’s blend of grace and grit makes her not just a scorer of runs—but a builder of legacy.
Global Praise Pours In
Former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar called it “a masterclass in modern batting,” while ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice tweeted: “Smriti Mandhana isn’t just breaking records—she’s inspiring a generation.” Back home, fans flooded social media with #Mandhana5K, celebrating her as the face of India’s new cricketing era.
What’s Next for Mandhana and Team India?
With the Women’s World Cup still unfolding, Mandhana’s focus will shift to converting individual brilliance into team success. But one thing is certain: her name now sits firmly among the all-time greats—and her best may still be ahead.