Smriti Mandhana is on the verge of a unique statistical milestone in T20 International cricket — she is just a few runs away from surpassing Pakistan men’s captain Babar Azam in the all-time T20I run-scoring list when men’s and women’s records are combined.
Current T20I run comparison
- Babar Azam: 4,596 runs
- Smriti Mandhana: 4,401 runs
This puts Mandhana just 195 runs behind Babar Azam.
Ahead of both is New Zealand legend Suzie Bates, but Mandhana is currently the closest active challenger to Babar in this combined all-format comparison.
How Smriti can overtake Babar Azam
The equation is simple: Mandhana needs one strong series or even a few impactful innings to surpass Babar.
If she scores around 200 runs in upcoming T20I matches or tournaments, she will:
- Cross Babar Azam’s tally
- Move to No. 2 in combined men’s + women’s T20I runs
- Become the only active batter in that top tier pushing the record forward
Given her strike rate and role as a top-order batter, this is a realistic target if she gets a good run of form.
Why this race has become possible
This unusual comparison has become possible because:
- Mandhana is a long-term T20 opener for India with many innings
- Babar Azam has not played as frequently in recent months
- Women’s T20Is now feature more international fixtures than before
This has narrowed the gap between elite men’s and women’s run totals in T20Is.
Recent form factor
Mandhana had a quiet patch leading into the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, but her early tournament performances — especially against Pakistan — suggest she is regaining rhythm at the right time.
What happens if she crosses 4,596?
If Mandhana goes past Babar Azam’s total, she would:
- Become the second-highest T20I run-scorer across both men’s and women’s cricket
- Strengthen her position among the most consistent T20 openers globally
- Add another major milestone to her international career
Bottom line
The gap is small, the form is returning, and the opportunity is immediate. If Smriti Mandhana continues to get starts in the upcoming matches, overtaking Babar Azam is no longer a distant possibility — it could happen very soon in the ongoing tournament.
