Navi Mumbai, November 2, 2025 - In a thrilling culmination to the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the record books, surpassing a monumental record held by the legendary Mithali Raj. The dynamic opening batter achieved this feat during the final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, despite narrowly missing out on a half-century.
Mandhana's composed innings of 45 runs off 58 deliveries was pivotal in India's strong start after South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first in the rain-delayed match. She formed a formidable 104-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, laying a solid foundation for the Indian innings. This was the highest opening stand of the World Cup.
In reaching 21 runs, Mandhana eclipsed Mithali Raj's previous record of 409 runs scored in the 2017 World Cup, setting a new benchmark for the most runs by an Indian in a single edition of the prestigious tournament. She concluded her stellar 2025 World Cup campaign with a remarkable total of 434 runs in 9 matches, averaging 54.25, which included one century and two half-centuries.
The record-breaking moment arrived as Mandhana continued her strong run in the tournament, demonstrating her consistent brilliance and anchoring the Indian innings. Her innings featured four boundaries, showcasing her elegant stroke play, before she was eventually dismissed, edging a delivery from Chloe Tryon to wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta.
Throughout the 2025 World Cup, Mandhana has been in exceptional form, solidifying her position as a mainstay of the Indian batting lineup. She is the leading run-scorer for the Women in Blue in the tournament. Prior to the final, she had amassed 389 runs, including a magnificent century against New Zealand.
Mandhana's journey in 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. She became the first-ever batter to score 1,000 Women's One Day International (WODI) runs in a calendar year, accumulating 1,317 runs in 22 matches at an impressive average of 62.71, with five centuries. Earlier in the year, she also became the fastest Indian woman to reach 4,000 ODI runs.
While Mandhana narrowly missed out on becoming the highest run-scorer in the 2025 World Cup, finishing behind South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt (470 runs), her impact on India's campaign has been undeniable.
The Women's World Cup final between India and South Africa is a historic clash, with both teams vying for their first-ever ICC World Cup title in either the 50-over or T20 format. Both teams went into the match unchanged from their winning semi-final teams. India beat Australia in a thrilling semi-final, while South Africa dominated against England.
