Smriti Mandhana produced a record-breaking performance as India stormed into the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semifinal with a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong in Dubai on Thursday. The India opener smashed 124 off just 64 deliveries, powering her team to an imposing 193/5. Mandhana’s sensational knock was packed with 14 boundaries and seven sixes, but the innings was about much more than sheer power. The left-hander broke several major records during her stunning century, further strengthening her place among the leading batters in women’s international cricket.
The century was Mandhana’s 18th across formats in Women’s Internationals, taking her past Australia legend Meg Lanning, who had 17 hundreds. It was also her second T20I century, making her the only Indian women’s cricketer to achieve the feat.
Smriti Mandhana then moved past former India captain Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 international runs to become the leading run-scorer in Women’s Internationals. She reached the milestone during the 18th over after already completing her century. “I didn’t know all of this happened,” Mandhana said after being informed about her record-breaking performance.
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The India opener initially took some time to settle before accelerating and sharing a valuable 74-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed 28 off 17 balls. Hong Kong’s bowlers also helped India’s cause by offering too many loose deliveries throughout the innings.
124 (64). Smriti Mandhana is proof that limits are just illusions. 🪄
When she steps onto the field, the rest of the world simply stops to watch. 😌
Don’t miss India vs Pakistan at the #DPWorldWomensAsiaCup2026 on Sat, 5th Sept, 7 PM onwards, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV… pic.twitter.com/zC4YkMSHWh
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 4, 2026
Smriti Mandhana took particular advantage of the scoring opportunities, showcasing her ability to find boundaries all around the ground. Her sixes straight down the ground were among the highlights of an authoritative batting display. “It’s really hard for me to play slower bowlers, but credit to them. They were really disciplined in the powerplay,” Mandhana said.
While India dominated with the bat, Hong Kong struggled badly in the chase. They managed only 16/1 during the powerplay before eventually being bowled out for 56 in 16.2 overs. India pacer Nandni Sharma impressed with her movement, swinging the ball both ways and producing a superb delivery to dismiss opener Mariko Hill. The rest of the Indian attack maintained the pressure as Hong Kong’s batters struggled to counter India’s quality and experience.
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The victory was India’s second consecutive win in the tournament. The defending favourites will next face Pakistan in their final Group A fixture on Saturday, with momentum firmly on their side heading into the knockout stage. “There are days where you hit balls from the stumps as well. There are days where you don’t, and there are days where you edge one from the fourth or fifth stump,” Smriti Mandhana added.
