Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has surpassed Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across all formats, achieving this milestone with a sensational 124-run innings against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Mithali Raj congratulated Mandhana on her achievement.
Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her disbelief and happiness after surpassing legendary batter Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in Women's Internationals, a feat she 'never imagined' achieving.
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has surpassed Mithali Raj to become India's highest run-getter in the Women's T20 World Cup. She achieved this milestone during India's opening match against Pakistan, where she scored a crucial 36 runs and anchored a significant partnership.
Smriti Mandhana is more suited to lead India in the longer formats after Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure ends while the much younger Shafali Varma can be handed the reins of the T20 side following another pre-mature exit from the World Cup, former captain legendary Mithali Raj said.
As a confident Indian team chases T20 World Cup glory to add to last year's ODI triumph, Mithali Raj said on Wednesday that her journey -- from limited opportunities to becoming the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket -- mirrors the remarkable growth of the sport in the country.
Harmanpreet Kaur scored her eighth ODI century, leading India to a 121-run victory over Zimbabwe and clinching the series. The veteran batter expressed her desire to enjoy batting, moving past captaincy, while captain Smriti Mandhana praised the team's recovery and individual performances, including Deepti Sharma's century and Vaishnavi Sharma's four-wicket haul.
Smriti Mandhana takes over the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation. The article discusses the timing of this elevation for Mandhana, who is considered the country's best batter, and the history of leadership transitions within the team, highlighting potential challenges and the team's aspirations for major tournament victories.
Former India captain Mithali Raj has expressed concerns over the Indian women's cricket team's bowling department, citing a lack of "role clarity" ahead of crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches. She believes bowling is India's weakest link, especially with Shreyanka Patil's injury and an out-of-form seam attack, while praising the batting strength led by Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh.
Harmanpreet Kaur's career has been defined by landmark innings, record-breaking longevity and milestones that have mirrored the rise of Indian women's cricket.
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, a decision acknowledged by the BCCI which lauded her leadership, particularly the 2025 Women's World Cup victory and Asian Games gold medals. Kaur expressed her commitment to continue playing for India, contributing as a senior player.
Harmanpreet Kaur ended her India captaincy after a historic nine-year tenure, highlighted by the 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, two Asian Games gold medals and record 155 T20I appearances.
India opener Smriti Mandhana has significantly strengthened her position in the ICC T20I rankings, moving closer to the top four after a remarkable 124 against Hong Kong, China.
Smriti Mandhana's explosive 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in the Women's T20 Asia Cup saw her surpass Mithali Raj and Meg Lanning to become the leading run-scorer and century-maker in women's international cricket, drawing widespread praise from the cricket community.
Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the annals of cricket history, becoming the batter with the most centuries in women's international cricket while hitting the most centuries in women's international cricket in the Women's Asia Cup match against Hong Kong in Dubai on Thursday.
Smriti Mandhana's record 124 powered India to a 137-run win over Hong Kong, while Deepti Sharma and fellow bowlers completed the rout and exposed little resistance from opponents.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra praises Smriti Mandhana's evolved power game and dominance against spinners, calling it a blueprint for younger players in women's T20 cricket.
India's women's cricket team is set to face Sri Lanka in the Asian Games final, aiming to secure a gold medal and extend their continental dominance. While India enters as favourites with strong performances, Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, will look to challenge their supremacy in what promises to be an exciting clash.
Smriti Mandhana breaks plethora of records as India outplay Hong Kong by 137 runs on Thursday to enter Women's Asia Cup semi-final.
Indian spinner Shree Charani has maintained her top position in the ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings with a career-best 804 rating points, while compatriot Deepti Sharma has risen four places to second, following their stellar performances in the Women's T20 Asia Cup.
Mithali Raj expresses her joy at seeing Indian cricket teams, including men's, women's, and junior sides, achieve significant global success, marking a period of dominance.
India delivered a commanding performance in the Asian Games women's cricket final, crushing Sri Lanka by 147 runs to retain their gold medal and open their 2026 campaign with India's first gold of the Games.
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, along with other prominent sports personalities like VVS Laxman, Mithali Raj, and Suresh Raina, extended heartfelt wishes to the nation on its 80th Independence Day, celebrating India's freedom, diversity, and the spirit that unites its people.
Nandni Sharma surged 38 places after her three-wicket haul against Thailand, while Chamari Athapaththu reached career-best ratings in batting, bowling and all-round performance.
Senior Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed confidence ahead of India's Women's Asia Cup match against Pakistan, highlighting India's consistent performance against their rivals. She emphasised the team's balanced batting and bowling units and their focus on playing good cricket. Deepti also praised young spinners Shree Charani and Prema Rawat for their talent and contributions.
India's cricketing greats Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny and Mithali Raj were honoured with BCCI's Lifetime Achievement Award, in New Delhi, on Sunday.
Batting great Rahul Dravid, 1983 World Cup winner Roger Binny and women's cricket legend Mithali Raj will be bestowed with the Colonel C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday.
'From the heartbreak of 2005 to the fight of 2017, every tear, every sacrifice, every young girl who picked up a bat believing we belong here, it all led to this moment.'
Former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra believes that merely replacing Harmanpreet Kaur as captain will not solve the fundamental issues plaguing the team, citing a significant lack of quality back-up options across all departments.
Smriti Mandhana etched a new record to her name, overtaking former skipper Mithali Raj to register the most runs scored by an Indian batter in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup.
'When I first entered the team, Mithali di (Mithali Raj) and Jhulan di (Jhulan Goswami) were our seniors, and to now see the transition with Harman di and Smriti leading together is really special. They've created an environment where everyone wants to give their all for the team.'
Mandhana completed 1000 runs on Sunday and is the youngest and fastest to the 5000 ODI runs, reaching it in 112 innings and 5,569 balls, surpassing Stafanie Taylor's 129 innings and Suzie Bates' 6,182 balls.
Who are the special fathers of these famous Indians? The paternal figures responsible for putting them on the right path and helping them find greatness.
UNICEF India Ambassador, Kareena was seen wishing the Indian players before the toss.
Former India and Irish cricketer M V Narasimha Rao said the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds him of the legendary Gary Sobers.
India's Dhairya Gogia stunned Hong Kong's Tse Ka Chun in the first round of the boys' U-13 section at the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Panzhihua, China.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra hailed Deepti Sharma as one of cricket's most influential all-rounders after her five-wicket haul against Pakistan, while also highlighting the importance of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign.
Nasser Hussain says India's Women's Premier League and ODI World Cup triumph have created an "unstoppable force" in women's cricket, boosting talent depth and inspiring the next generation of players.
Richa Ghosh produced a breathtaking late assault but India's brittle top-order batting proved costly as Dani Gibson's sparkling all-round show powered England to a narrow five-run win in their final Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Wednesday.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to bring together the world's top teams for a month of fast-paced, high-stakes cricket, as they compete for the biggest prize in the shortest format of the game.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 begins in England with Australia chasing a seventh title and India targeting a historic double. England, South Africa and New Zealand add to what promises to be the most competitive edition yet.
