Key Points

Smriti Mandhana is on the verge of cricket history, needing just 12 runs to break Belinda Clark's 18-year-old calendar year ODI record. The Indian opener has amassed 959 runs in 16 innings this year with an impressive average near 60. Meanwhile, India enters the match undefeated after convincing wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. South Africa will be looking to build on their comeback victory over New Zealand after that heavy defeat to England.

Key Points: Smriti Mandhana 12 Runs From Breaking Belinda Clark ODI Record

  • Mandhana needs 12 runs to break Belinda Clark's 970-run calendar year record
  • She also stands 81 runs away from 5,000 ODI career runs milestone
  • India remains undefeated after victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan
  • South Africa seeks momentum after bouncing back against New Zealand
2 min read

ICC Women's WC: Mandhana 12 runs short of overtaking Belinda's 18-year-old calendar year record

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana needs just 12 runs to surpass Belinda Clark's 18-year-old calendar year ODI record as India faces South Africa in World Cup clash.

"In 16 innings, she has scored a stunning 959 runs at an average of 59.93 with a strike rate of over 113 - Match Report"

Visakhapatnam, October 9

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana is just 12 runs away from overtaking Australian legend Belinda Clark for most runs in a calendar year in women's ODIs as her side takes to the field for the ICC Women's World Cup match against South Africa on Thursday.

India, undefeated so far in both contests against Sri Lanka and arch-rivals Pakistan, will take on a charged-up South Africa. The Proteas unit bounced back strongly with a commanding win over New Zealand after a 10-wicket loss to two-time champions England, during which they were skittled out for just 69 runs.

With scores of 8 and 23 against SL and PAK, respectively, Mandhana has been a slow starter this tournament, with the law of averages perhaps catching up with her. Nonetheless, in 16 innings, she has scored a stunning 959 runs at an average of 59.93 with a strike rate of over 113, including four centuries and three fifties. Her best score is 135.

Back in 1997, Belinda had not only cracked the first-ever one-day international cricket double ton, but also smashed 970 runs in 16 matches and 14 innings, with a mind-boggling combination of 80.83 average and 98.11 strike rate. She scored three centuries and four fifties, with a best score of 229*.

The elegant left-hander is also 81 runs short of 5,000 runs in ODIs and could become only the second-Indian after Mithali Raj (7,805 runs in 232 matches) and overall fifth to reach this milestone in women's cricket. In 110 ODIs, she has made 4,919 runs in 110 matches and innings at an average of 47.29, with a strike rate of 89.71. Her record also includes 13 tons and 32 fifties, with 136 as her best score.

Squads:

South Africa Women Squad: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso, Annerie Dercksen

India Women's Squad: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Richa Ghosh(w), Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While I'm excited about the record, I'm a bit concerned about her slow start in this tournament. Hope she finds her rhythm today. The team needs her at her best against a strong SA side.
R
Rohit P
Belinda Clark's record from 1997 is mind-blowing - 970 runs with 80+ average and 98+ strike rate! Even if Smriti breaks it, we should appreciate what a legend Clark was. Both are amazing players! 🤩
S
Sarah B
As an Australian cricket fan living in India, it's great to see women's cricket getting this attention. Mandhana's consistency has been remarkable. Hope she breaks both records today!
V
Vikram M
The real achievement will be when she crosses 5000 ODI runs! Only Mithali Raj before her from India. What a journey for women's cricket in our country. So proud! 💪
K
Kavya N
Her strike rate of over 113 this year is what impresses me most! Modern batting at its best. Hope she gets a big score today and leads India to another victory. Let's go, girls! ✨

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