Legendary Indian cricketer Mithali Raj congratulated Smriti Mandhana after the India vice-captain surpassed the former’s record to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket across all formats with a sensational 124-run innings against Hong Kong in a Group A encounter of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.
In an X post, Mithali Raj, a former India captain, congratulated Mandhana on surpassing her record, praising her growth and achievements while expressing pride in her becoming the highest run-scorer in international cricket. Mandhana’s record-breaking knock also saw her register the highest individual score in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history, with her 124 against Hong Kong surpassing Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 119 against Malaysia in Dambulla in 2024. Mithali Raj’s 97 not out against Malaysia in 2018, Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama’s 81 against Thailand in 2022 and India’s Shafali Verma’s 81 against Nepal in 2024 complete the top five. Mandhana also joined Harmanpreet Kaur as the only Indian women to score three-figure knocks in T20Is, with her 124 against Hong Kong following her 112 against England in 2025. Harmanpreet’s 103 against New Zealand at the 2018 T20 World Cup remains the other century on the list. Coming to the India vs Hong Kong match, Mandhana ton powered India Women to a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong. Mandhana’s 64-ball knock, featuring 14 fours and seven sixes, helped India post 193/5 after being asked to bat first. She shared a 74-run opening stand with Shafali Verma, who scored 28 off 17 balls.
“Well deserved, @mandhana_smriti ! I’ve watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s to many more runs and milestones.
Keep going,” Mandhana said.
