Smriti Mandhana creates history, becomes leading run-scorer in Women’s T20I

India opener Smriti Mandhana made history during the Asian Games 2026 semi-final against Bangladesh, becoming the leading run-scorer in women's T20I cricket. Mandhana scored 37 runs off 19 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes to help India reach 71/1 in the powerplay. She was eventually dismissed in the final over of the powerplay after attempting a slog sweep off Bangladesh bowler Nahida Akter.

With her performance, Mandhana surpassed New Zealand's Suzie Bates to claim the top spot in the all-time women's T20I run-scoring charts. Additionally, she became the first Indian woman to hit 100 sixes in the T20I format. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur had won the toss and elected to bat first in the high-stakes match.