India opening batter Smriti Mandhana created history despite being dismissed for only 23 runs during the Women's World Cup match against South Africa on Thursday. She broke a 28-year-old record that was held by former Australia batter Belinda Clark and became the player to score the most runs in WODIs in a calendar year. Notably, Clark had amassed 970 ODI runs back in 1997 and her record was finally broken by Mandhana, who has now scored 982 WODI runs in the ongoing year.
Mandhana has so far played 17 ODI matches in the year, maintaining a fantastic average of 57.76 and a strike-rate of 112.22. She has scored four centuries and three half-centuries so far in the year and will be hoping to increase his tally further as the World Cup progresses.
Mandhana not impressive in World Cup so far
However, despite being consistently good throughout the year in the one-day crticket, Mandhana hasn't looked in great touch in the ongoing tournament so far. She has recorded scores of 8, 23 and 23 in the matches against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa respectively. She will be hoping to improve her form in the coming matches.
Most runs in a calendar year in WODIs -
1. Smriti Mandhana (2025) - 982 runs
2. Belinda Clark (1970) - 970 runs
3. Laura Wolvaardt (2022) - 882 runs
4. Deborah Ann Hockley (1970) - 880 runs
5. Amy Ella Satterthwaite (2016) - 853 runs
Meanwhile, India went on to put up a fighting total of 251 on the board thanks to Richa Ghosh's heroic knock. After a solid opening partnership of 55 runs came to an end with Mandhana's wicket, the Women in Blue ended up suffering a batting collapse. They got restricted to 102/6 at one stage and it looked as if the Proteas would bundle out the hosts for an incredibly low total in Visakhapatnam.
Ghosh saves India's sinking ship
However, Ghosh rescued the side when they needed it the most. She first formed a 51-run stand alongside Amanjot Kaur before completely turning the match around with her 88-run partnership alongside Sneh Rana. Both the batters smacked the opposing bowlers all around the stadium and India crossed the 250-run mark in the final over. Ghosh missed out on what would have been a well-deserved century and got dismissed for 94. But, it is safe to say that her innings has provided the Women in Blue with a fighting chance in this match.