Former Indian captain Mithali Raj still leads the run-scoring charts among Indian batters in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
In the Women’s T20 World Cup, Indian batters have consistently made their mark. From Mithali Raj’s enduring excellence to Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive innings and SmritiMandhana’s stylish play, these players have showcased their skills and contributed significantly to India’s T20 World Cup campaigns. Here’s a look at the top five run-scorers.
Mithali Raj stands out as the leading run-scorer among Indian batters in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Over her career span from 2009 to 2018, Raj accumulated a total of 726 runs across 24 matches and 23 innings. Despite not hitting a century in the tournament, her consistent performance is reflected in her five half-centuries and an impressive batting average of 40.33. With a highest score of 57, Raj demonstrated her capability to anchor innings and contribute significantly to the team’s totals. Her strike rate of 97.31 and accumulation of 79 boundaries underscore her role as a dependable top-order batter for India.
Mithali Raj stands out as the leading run-scorer among Indian batters // Picture Courtesy — NDTV Sports
Harmanpreet Kaur, representing India from 2009 to 2023, has amassed 576 runs over 35 matches and 29 innings. Kaur’s explosive batting style is highlighted by her highest score of 103, which marks her only century in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Her career strike rate of 107.66, combined with one century and two half-centuries, reflects her aggressive approach and ability to accelerate the scoring rate when needed. Kaur has also demonstrated consistency with her 53 fours and 18 sixes, contributing to her total runs and adding valuable runs in crucial moments.
SmritiMandhana has been a key player for India since her debut in 2014, amassing 449 runs in 21 matches and innings. Mandhana’s career in the Women’s T20 World Cup, which spans from 2014 to 2023, is marked by her highest score of 87 and a solid average of 22.45. Although she has not yet reached the century mark in the tournament, her contribution is evident through her three half-centuries and a strike rate of 118.46. Mandhana’s batting is characterized by her ability to find gaps and accumulate runs efficiently, as indicated by her 59 boundaries and 10 sixes during this period.
PoonamRaut, who played from 2009 to 2014, has scored 375 runs over 15 matches and 15 innings. Raut’s highest score of 56 and her average of 31.25 demonstrate her solid performances during her tenure. Despite not having any centuries in the tournament, her consistent run-scoring ability is reflected in her three half-centuries and her strike rate of 90.57. Raut’s contribution with 41 boundaries highlights her role in providing stability in the middle order for the Indian team.
PoonamRaut represented India from 2009 to 2014 // Picture Courtesy — Hindustan Times
Jemimah Rodrigues has made significant strides in the Women’s T20 World Cup from 2018 to 2023, accumulating 339 runs in 15 matches and innings. Her highest score of 59 and an average of 26.07 illustrate her promising talent and potential. Rodrigues has managed to score two half-centuries and maintain a strike rate of 111.88, which underscores her ability to score quickly and efficiently. With 35 boundaries and one six, Rodrigues has shown that she can be a valuable asset for India in the T20 format.
These Indian batters have made notable contributions in the Women’s T20 World Cup, each bringing their unique strengths to the team. From Mithali Raj’s long-standing consistency to Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive innings, SmritiMandhana’s elegant strokes, PoonamRaut’s dependable performances, and Jemimah Rodrigues’ promising talent, they have all played crucial roles in India’s T20 World Cup journey. Their performances reflect the evolving strength and depth of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
