Every World Cup tells its own tale of determination and class, and Indian women’s cricket has delivered many such batting gems. The leading lights with the bat, the top run-scorers for India in Women’s ODI World Cup, have stood tall in pressure situations, guiding the team with match-winning knocks and leaving behind a legacy of consistency and inspiration.
1. Mithali Raj – 1321 Runs
One of the most celebrated figures in Indian cricket history, Mithali Raj tops the list with 1,321 runs from 38 matches at an impressive average of 47.17. Spanning over five World Cups (2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017), her consistency, leadership, and composure under pressure made her India’s most dependable batter.
Mithali’s top moment came in the 2017 edition, where her performance as both a captain and batter was instrumental in India’s historic journey to the final. Her top score in the tournament is 109, and she remains the only Indian woman to score over 1,000 runs in World Cup history.
What sets Mithali apart is her ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. She was the glue of the batting lineup, often playing the role of the sheet anchor. Her calm demeanor and classical technique earned her admiration across the cricketing world. Beyond her runs, Mithali’s legacy lies in her immense contribution to popularizing women’s cricket in India and inspiring a generation of young girls to take up the sport.
2. Harmanpreet Kaur – 1131 Runs
Harmanpreet Kaur, India's current captain in all formats, ranks second with 1,131 runs in 26 matches across four World Cups (2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022), with an incredible average of 53.85. Her strike rate, aggressive intent, and ability to rise in big games make her one of India’s most dangerous batters.
Her standout moment came in the 2017 semifinal against Australia, where she scored an unbeaten 171 off 115 balls* , an innings widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of women’s ODI cricket. That knock single-handedly carried India into the final and showcased her fearless approach.
Harmanpreet brings a modern flair to India’s batting unit capable of clearing boundaries with ease and switching gears seamlessly. Her ability to handle pressure and take responsibility in crunch moments makes her one of the most valuable players in India’s cricketing setup.
3. Smriti Mandhana – 696 Runs
Smriti Mandhana, one of the brightest stars in modern-day cricket, has already etched her name among the greats with 696 runs in just 15 matches at an average of 49.71 across two World Cups (2017 and 2022). Her elegant stroke play, timing, and fearless attitude at the top of the order have made her India’s batting mainstay.
In the 2017 edition, Smriti made an instant impact with a blazing 90 against England* in the opening match. She followed it up with a century against the West Indies, helping India get off to a strong start in the tournament.
Her ability to dominate pace and spin alike, combined with her calm temperament, makes her a consistent threat to bowling attacks around the world. At just 28 years of age, Smriti is poised to climb further up this list in the upcoming editions of the World Cup.
4. Anjum Chopra – 583 Runs
Former Indian skipper and one of the early torchbearers of women’s cricket in India, Anjum Chopra accumulated 583 runs in 26 matches at an average of 29.15 across four World Cups (1997, 2000, 2005, and 2009). Her highest score in the tournament was 76, and she was known for her tenacity and temperament.
Anjum played at a time when women's cricket was still gaining ground in India, and her contributions went beyond numbers. She was often the stabilizing force in the middle order and had the ability to rotate strike and anchor innings when the team needed it most.
Off the field, Anjum has played a crucial role in promoting women’s cricket through commentary and mentorship. Her contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and ambassador, have helped pave the way for the success of today’s stars.
5. Deepti Sharma – 428 Runs
The youngest on the list, all-rounder Deepti Sharma has already made a significant impact in two World Cups (2017 and 2022). She has scored 428 runs in 14 matches at an average of 35.66, with a highest score of 78.
Deepti’s versatility as a left-handed batter who can bat in multiple positions has given India great flexibility. In pressure situations, she has shown the ability to stay calm, build partnerships, and accelerate when needed. Her maturity at the crease and ability to adapt to match situations have made her a key player in India’s ODI setup.
In addition to her batting, Deepti also brings immense value with her off-spin bowling and athletic fielding. As she continues to grow in experience, Deepti is expected to rise further in the list of top run-getters.
Top 5 Run-Scorers for India in Women's ODI World Cup
| Player Name | Runs |
|---|---|
| Mithali Raj | 1321 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 1131 |
| Smriti mandhana | 696 |
| Anjum Chopra | 583 |
| Deepti Sharma | 428 |
