Women’s Asia Cup: India storm into semis as Mandhana’s record 124, spin blitz crush Hong Kong to seal big win | Cricket News
Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking 124 and a clinical bowling effort helped India crush Hong Kong by 137 runs in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash in Dubai. After posting 193/5, India bowled Hong Kong out for just 56 in 16.2 overs to seal a massive win and book their place in the semi-finals.
Mandhana’s record-breaking assault
Hong Kong won the toss and elected to field, but Mandhana quickly put their decision under pressure. The India opener and Shafali Verma gave their side a strong start, with Verma smashing 28 off 17 balls before departing.Wickets began to fall regularly after the opening stand, but Mandhana continued to attack from one end. She reached her half-century in 40 balls before dramatically increasing the tempo, bringing up her century in just 57 deliveries.Mandhana finished with a sensational 124 off 64 balls, hitting 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75. The innings took her to 18 international centuries, moving her past Meg Lanning’s tally of 17 and making her the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket.She also broke Chamari Athapaththu’s record for the highest individual score in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing the Sri Lankan’s unbeaten 119.Mandhana’s innings eventually ended in the final over when she was run out after a mix-up with Bharti Fulmali. Her dismissal, however, came after she had already powered India to a formidable 193/5.
India’s spinners choke Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s chase never got going as India’s spin-heavy attack strangled the batting lineup from the beginning. They slipped to 32/3 and struggled to score freely against India’s disciplined bowling.Deepti Sharma led the attack with 3/9 from three overs, removing key batters Natasha Miles and Yasmin Daswani while keeping the scoring rate under control. Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani then continued to chip away at the Hong Kong batting order.Marina Lamplough offered some resistance with 14, but Shree Charani eventually removed her before the lower order folded quickly. Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets, while Prema Rawat finished with two as India’s spinners kept the pressure on.Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for just 56 in 16.2 overs. Shree Charani completed the victory by stumping Shanzeen Shahzad after a sharp piece of work from Richa Ghosh.
