New Chandigarh: Indian opener Smriti Mandhana added another feather to her cap by overtaking New Zealand’s Amy Satterthwaite to become the seventh-highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs. The milestone came during the first ODI against Australia at New Chandigarh, where Mandhana struck a fluent 58 off 63 deliveries, laced with six fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 92.06.
With this knock, Mandhana’s career tally now stands at 4,646 runs in 106 ODIs, averaging 46.46 with 11 centuries and 32 fifties. She surpassed Satterthwaite’s record of 4,639 runs in 145 innings.
At the top of the list remains Indian great Mithali Raj, who amassed 7,805 runs in 232 matches at an average of 50.68, including seven centuries and 64 half-centuries.
The match also marked skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 150th ODI appearance, though she managed only 11 runs in nine balls.
India, opting to bat first, posted 281/7 in their 50 overs. Opener Pratika Rawal scored a steady 64 off 96 balls, sharing a 114-run opening stand with Mandhana. Harleen Deol’s brisk 54 and Richa Ghosh’s quick 25 also lifted India’s total.
For Australia, Megan Schutt led the attack with figures of 2/45, while Annabel Sutherland, Alana King and Tahlia McGrath chipped in with a wicket each.
India will now look to defend the target of 282 in the three-match series opener, which serves as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup starting September 30 in Guwahati.
