Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in history by surpassing former captain Mithali Raj to produce the best-ever ICC Women’s World Cup campaign by an Indian batter. In the final against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Mandhana contributed a crucial 45 off 58 balls, hitting eight boundaries with a strike rate of 77.59. Her steady innings allowed opening partner Shafali Verma to play more aggressively, and together they built a solid century partnership.
Mandhana concluded the tournament as India’s top run-scorer and the overall second-highest in the competition, amassing 434 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 54.25. Her tally included one century, two half-centuries, and a best score of 109. This performance overtakes Mithali Raj’s 2017 World Cup record, where Raj had scored 409 runs in nine innings at an average of 45.44. Notably, Mandhana has also dominated women’s ODIs this year, becoming the leading run-scorer with 1,362 runs in 23 innings, averaging 61.90 with five centuries and five fifties.
In the final showdown, South Africa chose to bowl first after winning the toss. As the match unfolded, cricket fans around the world watched in anticipation, knowing a new world champion would soon be crowned. Mandhana’s consistency, composure under pressure, and historic achievements have made this campaign one of the most memorable in Indian women’s cricket.
