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Queen of Cricket: Smriti Mandhana Shatters World Records in India’s 137-Run Asia Cup Victory
Summary: Smriti Mandhana put on a clinic in Dubai, blasting a breathtaking 124 off 64 balls to catapult India Women into the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. In doing so, Mandhana went past Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket history. Fueled by her knock, India posted 193/5 before a clinical bowling effort, starring Deepti Sharma's 3/9, bundled Hong Kong out for a humble 56.
Dubai: The Dubai International Cricket Stadium bore witness to history on Thursday as Indian opener Smriti Mandhana put on an absolute masterclass. Sashing 124 off just 64 balls, Mandhana led India Women to a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong, China Women in Match 7 of the Women's Asia Cup 2026.
With this win, India locked up a semi-final spot with a dominant +5.775 Net Run Rate, remaining undefeated at the top of Group A.
Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Masterclass
Hong Kong skipper Natasha Miles won the toss and elected to field, a decision that quickly backfired. Shafali Verma provided a breezy 28 off 17 balls, but the evening belonged entirely to Mandhana.
Striking at 193.75, Mandhana tore into the opposition bowling with 14 boundaries and 7 massive sixes. Her knock rewrote the history books on multiple fronts:
- All-Time Leading Run-Scorer: Mandhana reached 10,880 international runs across formats, officially surpassing legend Mithali Raj (10,868 runs) as the highest run-scorer in women's cricket.
- Most International Centuries: Mandhana reached her 18th international hundred, surpassing Australia's Meg Lanning (17) for the most centuries in women's cricket history.
- Highest Individual Score in Women's Asia Cup: Her 124 broke Chamari Athapaththu’s previous record (119* vs Malaysia in 2024).
- Joint-Most 50+ Scores: Smriti recorded her 93rd 50-plus score in international cricket, equalling Mithali Raj's record.
Despite a middle-order wobble where Marina Lamplough picked up 2/46, Mandhana carried the innings through to the final over before being run out, pushing India to 193/5.
Spinners Wrap Up Hong Kong for 56
Faced with a massive chase of 194, Hong Kong’s response crumbled under heavy pressure. Fast bowler Kranti Gaud set the tone with a maiden over before India's spinners completely shut down the opposition.
Deepti Sharma led the attack with figures of 3/9 in 3 overs, supported by Prema Rawat (2/12), Nandani Sharma (2/6), and Shree Charani (2/16). Hong Kong captain Natasha Miles offered sole resistance with a slow 15 off 27 balls as her side were bowled out for 56 runs in 16.2 overs.
- Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana (124 off 64 balls)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was Smriti Mandhana's individual score against Hong Kong Women?
👉 Mandhana smashed 124 runs off 64 balls, featuring 14 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 193.75.
Q2: Which major record did Mandhana break during this match?
👉 She became the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket history with 10,880 runs, surpassing Mithali Raj's record of 10,868 runs. She also scored her 18th international century, the most by any female cricketer.
Q3: Has India Women qualified for the Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals?
👉 Yes, India Women became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals from Group A after back-to-back wins with 4 points and a Net Run Rate of +5.775.
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