Indian women’s cricket is shaped by two modern greats — Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. One is India’s inspirational captain and a powerful middle-order match-winner; the other is India’s elegant opener and one of the most prolific ODI batters of her generation.
With both stars entering 2026 in top form, comparisons between their performances across formats, tournaments, and major events have intensified. Here is a complete statistical and career breakdown highlighting how these two icons have performed across WPL, international cricket, and World Cups.
Harmanpreet Kaur vs Smriti Mandhana
A Rivalry Built on Class, Consistency & Match-Winning Impact
Both players bring contrasting styles:
- Harmanpreet — explosive finisher, powerful hitter, sharp captain, and clutch performer in big tournaments.
- Smriti — elegant left-hander, ODI run-machine, highly consistent opener, and record-breaking performer in bilateral cricket.
Read Also:- Smriti Mandhana Century List in All Formats
Career Overview
Player Profile Comparison
| Feature | Harmanpreet Kaur | Smriti Mandhana |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar | Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana |
| Born | March 08, 1989 | July 18, 1996 |
| Age | 36 | 29 |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat | Left-hand Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Offbreak | Right-arm Medium |
| Playing Role | Batting Allrounder | Opening Batter |
International Career Comparison ODI Career Stats
| Category | Harmanpreet Kaur | Smriti Mandhana |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 161 | 117 |
| Innings | 140 | 117 |
| Runs | 4409 | 5322 |
| Average | 37.05 | 48.38 |
| Strike Rate | 77.06 | 90.52 |
| 100s | 7 | 14 |
| 50s | 22 | 34 |
| Highest Score | 171* | 136 |
| Fours | 441 | 642 |
| Sixes | 56 | 74 |
ODI Verdict
- Mandhana dominates ODIs with a higher average, strike rate, and double the centuries.
- Harmanpreet has played a longer career and delivered some of India’s most iconic knocks (like 171* in 2017).
T20I Career Stats
| Category | Harmanpreet Kaur | Smriti Mandhana |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 187 | 157 |
| Runs | 3784 | 4102 |
| Average | 29.33 | 29.94 |
| Strike Rate | 124+ | 124.22 |
| 100s | 1 | 1 |
| 50s | 15 | 32 |
| Highest Score | 103 | 112 |
| Sixes | 70 | 80 |
| Fours | — | 556 |
T20I Verdict
- Both are closely matched in averages and strike rate.
- Mandhana owns more half-centuries and a higher run tally as an opener.
- Harmanpreet contributes with both bat and occasional off-spin, giving her all-round impact.
Test Career Comparison
| Category | Harmanpreet Kaur | Smriti Mandhana |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 6 | 7 |
| Runs | 200 | 629 |
| Average | 25.00 | 57.18 |
| 100s/50s | 0/1 | 2/3 |
| Highest Score | 69 | 149 |
Test Verdict
- Mandhana clearly leads Tests with exceptional consistency and two centuries.
World Cup Records (50-over)
Women’s ODI World Cup Stats
| Category | Smriti Mandhana | Harmanpreet Kaur |
|---|---|---|
| Innings | 17 | 23 |
| Runs | 567 | 897 |
| Average | 35.43 | 49.83 |
| Strike Rate | 84 | 94.72 |
| 100s/50s | 2/3 | 3/4 |
World Cup Verdict
- Harmanpreet is India’s biggest World Cup performer, with higher average, strike rate, and more hundreds.
- Mandhana shines in bilateral ODIs but dips in World Cup tournaments.
WPL (Women’s Premier League) Comparison
Batting Stats in WPL
| Category | Harmanpreet Kaur (MI) | Smriti Mandhana (RCB) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 27 | 26 |
| Runs | 851 | 646 |
| Average | 40.52 | 24.84 |
| Strike Rate | 143.50 | 128.68 |
| Highest Score | 95* | 81 |
| 50+ Scores | 8 | 4 |
| Fours | 112 | 88 |
| Sixes | 22 | 20 |
WPL Verdict
- Harmanpreet is the undisputed WPL queen with a massive average and strike rate.
- She has twice led Mumbai Indians Women to the WPL title (2023 & 2025).
- Mandhana led RCB Women to the 2024 title and is improving every season.
Performance in Winning Causes (WPL)
| Category | Harmanpreet Kaur | Smriti Mandhana |
|---|---|---|
| Matches in Wins | 19 | 11 |
| Runs | 680 | 368 |
| Average | 52.30 | 33.45 |
| Strike Rate | 150.44 | 135.29 |
| 50s | 8 | 3 |
Verdict
- Harmanpreet is a huge match-winner and performs exceptionally in games MI win.
- Mandhana contributes strongly in wins but not at the same scale.
Chasing Records (WPL)
| Category | Harmanpreet Kaur | Smriti Mandhana |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 15 | 13 |
| Runs | 420 | 372 |
| Average | 46.66 | 28.61 |
| Strike Rate | 134.61 | 135.76 |
| 50s | 4 | 2 |
Verdict
- Harmanpreet is stronger in run-chases, delivering steady and impactful knocks.
- Mandhana matches her strike rate but trails in consistency.
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Leadership Impact
Harmanpreet Kaur
- India’s World Cup–winning captain (2025).
- WPL champion with MI in 2023 & 2025.
- Known for tactical awareness and calm leadership.
Smriti Mandhana
- Led RCB-W to their first-ever title in 2024 (men’s or women’s).
- One of India’s most improved captains in franchise cricket.
- Inspirational figure for young batters.
Overall Comparison: Who is Better?
Harmanpreet Kaur
- Better in World Cups
- Better in WPL
- Better in chases
- Higher impact in big moments
- More consistent performer in victories
Smriti Mandhana
- Better overall ODI batter
- Higher ODI strike rate and more centuries
- Elegant, technically superior opener
- Record-breaking year (2024–25) with multiple milestones
Both are world-class, but Harmanpreet Kaur holds the edge in pressure tournaments and T20 leagues, while Smriti Mandhana dominates ODIs and bilateral cricket with unmatched consistency.
