### Smriti Mandhana Makes History by Breaking 28-Year-Old ODI Record in Women's Cricket Smriti Mandhana, the Indian women's cricket team opener, has made headlines by breaking the long-standing record for the most runs scored in Women's One Day Internationals (ODIs) within a calendar year. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Women's World Cup 2025 match against South Africa, where Mandhana scored 23 runs, surpassing the previous record held by Australian cricketer Belinda Clark since 1997. This milestone not only highlights Mandhana's exceptional talent but also marks a significant moment in women's cricket history. ### Breakdown of the News Event 1. **Record-Breaking Performance**: - Smriti Mandhana surpassed Belinda Clark's record for the most ODI runs in a calendar year during the Women's World Cup match against South Africa on October 9, 2025 [https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/smriti-mandhana-breaks-odi-record-most-runs-year-ind-vs-sa-world-cup-2025-10297027]. - Despite a modest score of 23 runs in this match, her cumulative runs for the year exceeded Clark's previous record [https://www.sportingnews.com/in/cricket/news/smriti-mandhana-top-10-batters-most-runs-calendar-year-w-odi/bf6962983f187784a65bc524]. 2. **Context of the Achievement**: - Mandhana's record-breaking innings came after a series of performances where she had struggled to convert starts into big scores [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/cricket/india-national-womens-cricket-team-vs-south-africa-national-womens-cricket-team-match-scorecard-smriti-mandhana-record-icc-womens-world-cup-2025-most-runs-in-a-calender-year-10272534]. - This achievement is particularly significant as it reflects her consistency and skill over the year, contributing to her team's performance in the World Cup [https://thesportstak.com/cricket/icc-womens-world-cup-2025/story/smriti-mandhana-scripts-history-breaks-28-year-old-record-during-womens-world-cup-clash-against-south-africa-3207168-2025-10-09]. 3. **Impact on Women's Cricket**: - Mandhana's record not only elevates her status in the sport but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female cricketers globally [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/10/09/womens-world-cup-smriti-mandhana-breaks-record-for-most-runs-in-a-calendar-year-in-odis]. - The achievement is a testament to the growing recognition and competitiveness of women's cricket on the international stage [https://www.cricketnmore.com/cricket-news/womens-world-cup-smriti-mandhana-breaks-record-for-most-runs-in-a-calendar-year-in-odis-179278]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Mandhana's Yearly Performance**: - In 2025, Mandhana's total runs in ODIs surpassed 1,000, breaking Clark's record of 1,000 runs in a calendar year [https://khelnow.com/cricket/smriti-mandhana-wodi-runs-calendar-year-202510]. - This achievement highlights her as one of the top performers in women's cricket, showcasing her ability to consistently score runs against various opponents [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/brits-breaks-mandhana-record-as-sa-bounce-back/20251007.htm]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Milestone for Smriti Mandhana and Women's Cricket 1. **Record Achievement**: Smriti Mandhana has officially broken the long-standing record for the most runs in a calendar year in Women's ODIs, setting a new benchmark for future players. 2. **Significance**: This milestone not only enhances her personal accolades but also contributes to the visibility and growth of women's cricket globally. 3. **Future Implications**: As Mandhana continues her career, her record will likely inspire a new generation of female cricketers to strive for excellence in the sport. In summary, Smriti Mandhana's achievement is a landmark moment in women's cricket, reflecting her talent and the increasing competitiveness of the sport [https://www.sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/womens-cricket/ind-vs-sa-women-odi-world-cup-2025-records-richa-ghosh-smriti-mandhana-runs-india-v-south-africa/article70144501.ece].