Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana has re-written history in Women's ODIs. In the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 match against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, Mandhana piled on the most runs in a year in Women's ODIs. The southpaw opener broke the record held by former Australia captain Belinda Clark since 1997 of 970 runs. Mandhana's phenomenal performance in 2025 has had her tally 982 runs in only 17 innings, sustaining an average of nearly 57.76 and a strike rate of 112.22. Her uninterrupted performance consists of four centuries this year as well, making her the top batter this year. Most Runs in a Calendar Year in WODIs Player Year Innings Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Smriti Mandhana (IND-W) 2025 17 982 135 57.76 112.22 4 3 Belinda Clark (AUS-W) 1997 14 970 229* 80.83 98.11 3 4 Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W) 2022 18 882 117 49 78.96 1 8 Debbie Hockley (NZ-W) 1997 16 880 100* 62.85 64.68 2 6 Amy Satterthwaite (NZ-W) 2016 14 853 137* 85.3 95.62 3 4 Belinda Clark (AUS-W) 2000 16 842 146* 76.54 74.84 1 6 Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG-W) 2022 16 833 148* 59.5 91.43 2 5 Sarah Taylor (ENG-W) 2005 20 807 136 42.47 71.41 2 4 Also Read | Tazmin Brits Creates History with Fifth ODI Century in 2025 Mandhana Close to 5000 WODI Run-Mark India entered the game having won their first two matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and decided to bowl after rain delayed the start by an hour. India made a tactical switch, recalling Amanjot Kaur in place of Renuka Singh Thakur, with South Africa adding Tumi Sekhukhune in place of Masabata Klaas. Mandhana started her Women's World Cup 2025 campaign slowly, with 8 and 23 in the first two games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. But her batting against South Africa in the initial overs displayed confidence. However, the southpaw couldn't score big as she was scalped for 23 runs by Nonkululeko Mlaba. The southpaw is also closing in on 5000 ODI runs, which will make her the second Indian and fifth overall female cricketer to achieve this milestone. India will then host Australia in Visakhapatnam, while South Africa plays Bangladesh. Mandhana's record-breaking run not only improves India's standing in the World Cup but also provides a new reference point in women's cricket, giving hope to the next generation of cricketers all over the world.