Smriti Mandhana produced a record-breaking performance at the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 as India powered to a massive 137 run victory over Hong Kong in Dubai, securing their place in the semi finals in commanding fashion.
Mandhana was the star of the night, smashing a breathtaking 124 runs from just 64 deliveries, including 14 fours and seven sixes. Her spectacular innings helped India post an imposing total of 193 for 5, leaving Hong Kong with an enormous challenge in their chase.
But Mandhana’s century was about far more than simply giving India a winning total. During the innings, she surpassed legendary former India captain Mithali Raj to become the leading run scorer in women’s international cricket. Raj’s previous mark stood at 10,868 international runs.
Mandhana also registered her 18th international century, moving ahead of Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt to become the woman with the most international hundreds. It was another remarkable milestone for a player who has become one of the defining batters of the modern era.
Hong Kong had little answer once India’s bowlers took control of the match. Deepti Sharma led the attack with three wickets, while the rest of the Indian bowling unit maintained constant pressure as Hong Kong were dismissed for just 56 runs.
The 137 run victory became India’s second largest win by runs in Women’s T20 International cricket and continued their perfect start to the tournament. India have now won their opening two matches and booked their place in the knockout stage.
The performance also sends a strong warning to the rest of the teams competing for the continental title. India entered the competition determined to regain the Women’s Asia Cup crown after Sri Lanka defeated them in the 2024 final, and their early performances in Dubai have demonstrated the depth and power available within the squad.
Attention will now turn to one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters when India face Pakistan on September 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
For Mandhana, however, the match against Hong Kong will remain one of the most memorable performances of her career. A dominant century, two major international records and another Indian victory made it a night where one of women’s cricket’s biggest stars once again demonstrated her class on the international stage.
