Smriti Mandhana scripted history on Thursday in Visakhapatnam as the Indian vice-captain moved past Australian legend Belinda Clarke for most runs in a single calendar year in women’s ODIs. Mandhana’s feat came at an ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match against South Africa. Sent into bat first, Mandhana started slow against the Proteas with her opening partner Pratika Rawal doing all the hitting.

Mandhana’s feat came in the eighth over when the southpaw smashed Ayabonga Khaka for a six. She was finally dismissed 23 off 32 balls off the bowling of Nonkululeko Mlaba. Currently, Mandhana is on the top of the list with 981 runs in 2025. Clarke had scored 970 runs in 1997.

Previously, the closest any Indian would come was all-rounder Deepti Sharma and former captain Mithali Raj, who had scored 787 and 783 runs respectively, both in 2017. Rawal could also pose a serious to Mandhana this year as she had also scored over 760 runs in 2025.

Earlier, after incessant rain interrupted the exciting contest, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to field against the hosts India. Relentless rain in Visakhapatnam forced the toss to be delayed by an hour. However, not a single over has been lost to weather as the ground staff put in the hard yards by using a super sopper to ensure the surface doesn’t hinder the players.

Both India and South Africa made one change to their playing XIs. While India brought in all-rounder Amanjot Kaur in place Reuka Singh Thakur. On the other hand, South Africa added Tumi Sekhukune replacing Masabata Klaas.

India women vs South Africa women playing XIs

India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba