Dubai, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking 124 off 64 balls, followed by a dominant bowling display, helped India thrash Hong Kong-China by 137 runs in their Group A clash of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The victory gave India their second consecutive win in the tournament and secured their place in the semi-finals.
After Hong Kong-China opted to field, Mandhana powered India to 193/5 with a breathtaking innings featuring 14 fours and seven sixes. She became the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket, surpassing former India captain Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 runs. Mandhana also registered her 18th international century across formats, the most by any batter in women’s international cricket.
Mandhana reached her century off 58 balls, before accelerating further in the closing overs. She struck three consecutive sixes off Ruchitha Venkatesh in the 18th over and was eventually run out for 124 on the penultimate ball of the innings following a mix-up with Bharti Fulmali.
Her score was also the highest individual innings in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 119 against Malaysia in 2024.
Shafali Verma provided early momentum with 28 off 17 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while Pratika Rawal made 10. Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 11 and 10 respectively.
Hong Kong-China’s chase never gained momentum. The side was bowled out for 56 in 16.2 overs, with only Natasha Miles (15), Marina Lamplough (13) and Yasmin Daswani (11) reaching double figures.
Deepti Sharma led India’s attack with 3/9 from three overs, while Nandani Sharma (2/6), Shree Charani (2/16) and Prema Rawat (2/12) claimed two wickets each.
India will next face Pakistan in their Group A match.
Brief scores:
India 193/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 124, Shafali Verma 28; Marina Lamplough 2/46) beat Hong Kong-China 56 all out in 16.2 overs (Natasha Miles 15; Deepti Sharma 3/9, Nandani Sharma 2/6, Shree Charani 2/16, Prema Rawat 2/12) by 137 runs.
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