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Smriti Mandhana reached a major milestone in women’s cricket during India’s Asian Games 2026 semifinal against Bangladesh on September 20, becoming the leading run-scorer in women’s T20I cricket. The India opener surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates during her innings at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Mandhana entered the semifinal needing eight runs to move beyond Bates’ total of 4,758 T20I runs. She scored 37 runs from 19 deliveries, taking her career tally to 4,788 runs in 171 innings. Her innings included five fours and two sixes.
The record came during an important semifinal for India, with the team seeking a place in the women’s cricket gold-medal match at the Asian Games.
Mandhana Surpasses Suzie Bates
Mandhana’s latest achievement moved her to the top of the women’s T20I run-scoring list. Bates had held the leading position with 4,758 runs before Mandhana passed her during India’s semifinal innings.
The milestone adds to Mandhana’s long-standing record in international cricket and highlights her consistency in the shortest international format. Rather than reaching the mark through a separate record-setting appearance, she crossed the total during India’s match against Bangladesh.
The leading run-scorers at the time of the semifinal were:
| Player | Women’s T20I Runs |
| Smriti Mandhana | 4,788 |
| Suzie Bates | 4,758 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 4,287 |
| Chamari Athapaththu | 4,282 |
| Sophie Devine | 3,817 |
Mandhana’s 37 runs also provided India with a fast start before she was dismissed. She and Shafali Verma added 72 runs during the opening phase of India’s innings.
Shafali Verma Scores Her Maiden T20I Century
While Mandhana was setting a new individual T20I record, Shafali Verma produced another major moment for India.
Verma scored an unbeaten 100 from 49 balls, becoming the first Indian woman to record a T20I century at the Asian Games. Her innings contained three fours and nine sixes, helping India build a substantial total after Mandhana’s departure.
The century was also Verma’s maiden hundred in women’s T20I cricket. Her innings provided the main contribution as India reached 195/4 from their 20 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur also added 40 runs from 33 deliveries.
India’s batting performance gave Bangladesh a difficult target in the second half of the semifinal.
India Beat Bangladesh by 114 Runs
Bangladesh struggled to keep pace with India’s total during their chase. The team was eventually dismissed for 81 runs, giving India a 114-run victory.
The result secured India’s place in the women’s cricket gold-medal match at the Asian Games 2026. It also meant that India’s campaign in the competition would continue with a chance to compete for the gold medal.
The semifinal result was supported by contributions from several parts of India’s team. Verma’s century was the standout score, while Mandhana’s quick 37 helped India establish momentum during the powerplay.
For Bangladesh, the 195-run target proved beyond reach as wickets fell regularly during the chase.
India vs Bangladesh Semifinal at a Glance
| Match Detail | Result |
| India | 195/4 |
| Bangladesh | 81 all out |
| Result | India won by 114 runs |
| Smriti Mandhana | 37 off 19 balls |
| Shafali Verma | 100* off 49 balls |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 40 off 33 balls |
| Mandhana’s T20I tally | 4,788 runs |
| Previous record holder | Suzie Bates – 4,758 runs |
India Set Up Final Against Sri Lanka
India’s semifinal victory confirmed a meeting with Sri Lanka in the women’s cricket gold-medal match.
Sri Lanka reached the final after defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in the first semifinal. The result established the final pairing between India and Sri Lanka, with the gold-medal match scheduled for September 22, 2026.
The final will therefore bring together two teams that progressed through their respective semifinals. India’s qualification followed its 114-run victory against Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka secured its place after a successful chase against Pakistan.
Mandhana will enter the final having already reached the top of the women’s T20I run-scoring charts during the tournament.
Why Mandhana’s T20I Record Matters
T20 cricket has become an important part of the women’s international game, with batters required to score quickly while maintaining consistency over a long international career.
Mandhana’s move to 4,788 T20I runs reflects the volume of runs she has accumulated across 171 innings. Her record also places her ahead of several established international players, including Bates, Harmanpreet Kaur, Chamari Athapaththu and Sophie Devine.
The achievement came in a match where India’s batting produced both a milestone and a century. Mandhana’s record and Verma’s unbeaten hundred were followed by a comprehensive team result, allowing India to progress to the gold-medal match.
The Asian Games semifinal therefore produced two separate batting milestones for India while also determining the team that would contest the tournament final.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana became the leading women’s T20I run-scorer during India’s Asian Games 2026 semifinal against Bangladesh, surpassing Suzie Bates’ previous total of 4,758 runs. Her 37 from 19 balls took her career tally to 4,788 runs in 171 innings.
India went on to score 195/4, with Shafali Verma making an unbeaten 100 from 49 balls and Harmanpreet Kaur scoring 40. Bangladesh were dismissed for 81, giving India a 114-run victory and a place in the gold-medal match.
India will face Sri Lanka on September 22 for the women’s cricket gold medal, while Mandhana will head into the final as the current leading run-scorer in women’s T20I cricket.
FAQs
Who is the leading run-scorer in women’s T20I cricket?
Smriti Mandhana became the leading run-scorer in women’s T20I cricket during India’s Asian Games 2026 semifinal against Bangladesh, reaching 4,788 runs.
How many runs did Smriti Mandhana score against Bangladesh?
Mandhana scored 37 runs from 19 balls, including five fours and two sixes.
How many runs did Shafali Verma score in the semifinal?
Shafali Verma scored an unbeaten 100 from 49 balls, including three fours and nine sixes.
What was India’s score against Bangladesh?
India scored 195/4 in 20 overs and then bowled Bangladesh out for 81 runs.
Who will India face in the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket final?
India will face Sri Lanka in the gold-medal match on September 22, 2026.