India’s vice-captain and star opener Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in cricketing history by breaking a 28-year-old world record for the most runs scored in Women’s One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in a single calendar year. The milestone was achieved during India’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, where Mandhana’s 23-run knock took her tally to 982 runs in 17 matches, surpassing the previous record of 970 runs set by Australian legend Belinda Clark in 1997.
Mandhana reached the landmark in style, dispatching a towering six off Ayabonga Khaka in the eighth over, triggering a standing ovation from teammates and fans alike. Despite her early dismissal, the moment marked a defining chapter in Indian women’s cricket.
🏏 Most ODI Runs in a Calendar Year – Women’s Cricket
| Player | Country | Year | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | India | 2025 | 17 | 17 | 982 | 57.76 | 112.22 | 4 | 3 |
| Belinda Clark | Australia | 1997 | 16 | 14 | 970 | 80.83 | 98.11 | 3 | 4 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | South Africa | 2022 | 18 | 18 | 882 | 58.80 | 90.00 | 2 | 6 |
| Debbie Hockley | New Zealand | 1997 | 16 | 16 | 880 | 55.00 | 85.00 | 2 | 5 |
| Amy Satterthwaite | New Zealand | 2016 | 15 | 14 | 853 | 65.61 | 88.00 | 3 | 4 |
🌟 Mandhana’s 2025 ODI Season: A Statistical Masterclass
Mandhana’s record-breaking run includes four centuries and three half-centuries, with standout performances against Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Her fastest century came off just 50 balls against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, making it the quickest ODI hundred by an Indian woman and second-fastest globally.
| Match Opponent | Venue | Score | Balls | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (3rd ODI) | Delhi | 100 | 50 | India won |
| Australia (2nd ODI) | Mumbai | 117 | 91 | India won |
| Pakistan (ODI WC) | Visakhapatnam | 23 | 32 | India won |
| Sri Lanka (ODI WC) | Visakhapatnam | 8 | 21 | India won |
| South Africa (ODI WC) | Visakhapatnam | 23 | 32 | India lost |
🧠 Historical Context: Breaking Belinda Clark’s Legacy
Belinda Clark’s 970-run record had stood unchallenged since 1997, a year in which she also scored the first-ever double century in ODI cricket. Over the years, legends like Mithali Raj, Meg Lanning, and Suzie Bates came close, but none could surpass Clark’s mark until Mandhana’s 2025 campaign.
Mandhana’s achievement is not just statistical—it symbolizes the evolution of Indian women’s cricket and its growing dominance on the global stage.
🧾 Career Milestones and Global Rankings
- ODI Centuries: 13 (equal second with Suzie Bates)
- Fastest ODI Century by an Indian: 50 balls vs Australia
- Back-to-Back ODI Centuries: Achieved twice, first Indian woman to do so
- Total ODI Runs (as of Oct 9, 2025): 4,981
- Global ODI Ranking: No. 1 batter in ICC Women’s ODI rankings
🧭 Impact on India’s World Cup Campaign
Despite a slow start in the World Cup, Mandhana’s consistency throughout the year has been pivotal in India’s rise. Her leadership as vice-captain and ability to anchor innings under pressure have helped India secure wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With knockout stages approaching, her form could be decisive in India’s quest for their maiden World Cup title.
🧠 Expert Reactions
- Harmanpreet Kaur: “Smriti’s record is a testament to her hard work and hunger. She’s a leader on and off the field.”
- Jhulan Goswami: “This is a generational achievement. Smriti has redefined what it means to be an opener in modern cricket.”
- Lisa Sthalekar: “Mandhana’s strike rate and consistency make her the most complete ODI batter today.”
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified match reports, player statistics, and tournament data as of October 10, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute betting advice, player endorsement, or selection prediction and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
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