Why India’s No.18 Has Been a Nightmare for Bowlers in ODIs?

Smriti Mandhana and Virat Kohli share the same jersey number. But now, they also share the throne for being the best in the ODI format. Recently, Smriti Mandhana became the fastest to score 5000 runs in the ODI format. This record matches that of Virat Kohli in Men's cricket.

Virat Kohli is the King of the ODI format. However, in the case of the Queen of this format, now fans can say Smriti Mandhana. She has recently made several achievements in the 50-over format. More recently, Smriti made another milestone in the in the Women's World Cup.

She was just a few runs away from reaching the 5000 run mark in the ODI format. And Smriti Mandhana did it in this game, scoring 80 runs. This made her to reach 5000 runs in the ODI format in just 112 innings. Breaking all records, Smriti stands tall in the list of Women's cricket. On the other hand, Virat Kohli holds this record in Men's cricket, taking 114 innings for the same.

1. Virat Kohli’s 5000 Run Mark

Ever since his debut, Virat Kohli has made his mark in the ODI format. In 2013, he got the chance to break records set by the greatest batsmen. Equalling the record of Viv Richards, he completed his 5000-run mark in the ODI format in 114 innings. An interesting fact about the same is that Virat Kohli achieved this against the West Indies.

The first ODI between India and the West Indies was played at Kochi. It was an excellent effort by the Indian spinners, the West Indies batting having fallen. The team consequently scored 211 and got all out. The target was too small for India to chase at their home ground.

However, an early down of Shikhar Dhawan was also taken. Virat Kohli stepped in the crease and had a great partnership with Rohit Sharma. Kohli ended up scoring 86 runs off 84 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes. This match also helped him to complete the 5000-run mark in the ODI format.

2. Smriti Mandhana’s 5000-run Mark

With Virat Kohli holding the record for Men's, it was time for Smriti Mandhana to shine. Another number 18 is now ruling the ODI format for the Indian team. Smriti Mandhana has given some of the best performances this year. But on her form in the Women's World Cup.

Approaching the 5000 mark in the ODI format, Mandhana was ready to face Australia in India. India had to go out to bat first in this game, and this gave the team an edge to some degree. Smriti Mandhana has finally delivered on the World Cup. She then made 80 runs out of 66 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes.

This assisted India in achieving 330 runs, losing 4 wickets. Nevertheless, the universe was not kind to Smriti Mandhana or the Indian team. Australia managed to win the game, 3 wickets and 6 balls to spare. to reach 5000 runs in the ODI format in only 112 innings.

Nevertheless, this was not the only record that she made in the game. Smriti Mandhana was also the first and only batter who make 1000 runs during a calendar year. This record was never achieved by any other female cricketer in history.