DUBAI — In a display of sheer dominant strokeplay, India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shattered multiple records on Thursday evening, leading India into the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with a massive 137-run victory over Hong Kong at the ICC Academy Ground.
Mandhana blasted a career-best 124 off just 64 deliveries, a sparkling knock decorated with 14 boundaries and 7 high-soaring sixes. Her performance propelled India to a formidable total of 193 for 5 after being sent in to bat. In response, Hong Kong were dismantled for a paltry 56 runs in 16.2 overs under unrelenting pressure from the Indian bowling attack.
A Milestone-Laden Masterclass
Mandhana’s blitzkrieg in Dubai rewritten women’s cricket history on several fronts:
Highest All-Time International Run-Scorer: Passing former India captain Mithali Raj’s career tally of 10,868 international runs, Mandhana moved to 10,880 runs across all formats, making her the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket history.
Most Centuries in Women's International Cricket: Reaching her 18th international hundred across formats, she surpassed Australia’s Meg Lanning (17) to stand alone at the top of the century charts.
First Indian Woman with Multiple T20I Tons: Mandhana became the first Indian batter in women's T20Is to register two centuries in the format.
Highest Score in Women's Asia Cup History: Her 124 overtook Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 119 against Malaysia in 2024 as the highest individual score in tournament history.
Former captain Mithali Raj took to social media platform X to applaud her successor, writing: "To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s to many more runs and milestones."
How the Match Unfolded
India got off to a fluent start with an opening stand of 74 runs between Mandhana and Shafali Verma (28 off 17). While Hong Kong bowlers attempted to frustrate the Indian batters with a wider line and off-pace variations, Mandhana adjusted swiftly, reaching her half-century in 40 balls before taking only 18 more deliveries to accelerate to her hundred.
Hong Kong never posed a threat in their chase of 194. Indian off-spinner Deepti Sharma spearheaded the bowling attack with precise figures of 3 for 9, while seamers Nandani Sharma, Prema Rawat, and Shree Charani grabbed two wickets apiece.
"I didn't know all of this happened," a humble Mandhana remarked during the post-match presentation when informed of her feats. "Credit to Hong Kong—they were disciplined in the powerplay. But I just love batting and am happy I could contribute to the team's victory."
With two consecutive wins in Group A, India become the first team to seal a spot in the semi-finals and will prepare to take on arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday.
