Smriti Mandhana (AFP Photo)
Smriti Mandhana made history in the Asian Games 2026 semi-final, becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s T20I cricket. The India opener achieved the milestones during a blistering start against Bangladesh, as India raced to 71/1 in the powerplay in their bid to book a place in the gold-medal match. Mandhana struck 37 off just 19 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes before her innings ended in the final over of the powerplay. She also became the first Indian woman to reach 100 sixes in the format. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Player Runs Smriti Mandhana 4,788 Suzie Bates 4,758 Harmanpreet Kaur 4,287 Chamari Athapaththu 4,282 Sophie Devine 3,817 Shafali joined Mandhana in attacking Bangladesh’s bowling, helping India reach 71/1 in the first six overs.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first in the second semi-final. Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided an explosive start, putting Bangladesh’s bowlers under pressure from the outset. She attempted another slog sweep off Nahida Akter but mistimed the shot, with Sobhana Mostary completing the catch at deep mid-wicket. Despite her dismissal, Mandhana had already etched her name in the record books, moving past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is. The opening stand gave India early momentum in a high-stakes contest, with a place in the gold-medal match on the line. India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud. Bangladesh Women: Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (wk/c), Shorna Akter, Sharmin Akhter , Shanjida Akter Meghla, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.