Smriti Mandhana Breaks Rohit Sharma’s Record in T20Is, Despite India’s Loss to South Africa

In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, Smriti Mandhana became India’s highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals, surpassing Rohit Sharma during the first T20I against South Africa women’s national cricket team in Durban on April 18, 2026.

Historic milestone for Mandhana

Mandhana entered the match tied with Rohit Sharma at 4,231 runs. With a brief but significant innings, she moved ahead to reach 4,244 runs, setting a new benchmark for Indian players in T20Is.

She achieved this feat in 155 innings, maintaining:

• Average: 30.31
• Strike rate: 124.38
• 1 century and 33 half-centuries

This milestone also elevates her to second place in the all-time list of women’s T20I run-scorers, behind Suzie Bates, who leads with 4,717 runs. In men’s T20Is, the overall record is held by Babar Azam.

Top Indian T20I run-scorers

• Smriti Mandhana – 4,244
• Rohit Sharma – 4,231
• Virat Kohli – 4,188
• Harmanpreet Kaur – 3,869
• Suryakumar Yadav – 3,272

Match summary: South Africa take 1–0 lead

Despite Mandhana’s record-breaking achievement, the result did not go India’s way. South Africa women’s national cricket team chased down a target of 158 comfortably, winning by six wickets and taking a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the chase with a composed 51, ensuring stability at the top. Annerie Dercksen played a crucial finishing role, remaining unbeaten on 44 to guide her side home.

India’s innings: Solid but lacking finish

India posted 157/7, with contributions from:

• Harmanpreet Kaur – 47*
• Shafali Verma – 34
• Jemimah Rodrigues – 36

While the innings had a strong foundation, India struggled to accelerate in the death overs, leaving the total slightly below par.

South Africa’s bowling performance

The hosts delivered a disciplined bowling effort:

• Ayabonga Khaka – 3/16
• Tumi Sekhukhune – 2 wickets
• Nonkululeko Mlaba – 1 wicket