Smriti Mandhana Shatters Records with Stellar Performance in Women's Asia Cup

India Women Triumph Over Hong Kong in Asia Cup Clash

Dubai [UAE], September 3: In a stunning display of batting prowess, Smriti Mandhana led the Indian Women's cricket team to a resounding 137-run victory against Hong Kong during their Group A match in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.

Mandhana's remarkable innings saw her score 124 runs off just 64 deliveries, propelling India to a total of 193/5. In response, Hong Kong struggled significantly, managing only 56 runs as Indian bowlers Deepti Sharma (3 wickets for 9 runs in 3 overs), Shree Charani (2 wickets for 16 runs in 3.2 overs), and Prema Rawat (2 wickets for 12 runs in 3 overs) dismantled their batting order in just 16.2 overs. Nandani Sharma also contributed with two wickets, finishing with figures of 2/6 in 3 overs.

From the beginning, Hong Kong found it challenging to gain momentum in their chase for 194 runs, as India's bowlers maintained tight control.

Fast bowler Kranti Gaud set the tone with a maiden over against Natasha Miles, and Nandani Sharma quickly followed up by bowling Mariko Hill for a duck, putting Hong Kong under immediate pressure.

During the powerplay, Hong Kong could only muster 16 runs for the loss of one wicket, with Yasmin Daswani and Miles struggling to find boundaries. Daswani was eventually dismissed for 11 runs off 23 balls by Deepti Sharma, while Miles managed to score 15 runs off 27 balls before being dismissed by Prema Rawat in the 10th over. Rawat struck again in the 12th over, taking out Hong Kong's captain Kary Chan.

Nandani Sharma then took her second wicket by dismissing Maryam Bibi for seven runs, while Shree Charani accounted for Marina Lamplough, who scored 14 runs, in the 15th over, leaving Hong Kong at 55 for six.

Deepti Sharma continued her impressive performance by claiming three wickets in the 16th over, taking down Joyleen Kaur, Iqra Sahar, and Mei Wai Siu, leaving Hong Kong nine down.

Shree Charani completed the innings, bowling out Hong Kong for a mere 56 runs in 16.2 overs, securing a commanding 137-run victory for India.

After being invited to bat first, Shafali Verma opened the innings alongside Mandhana. Verma provided solid support, scoring 28 runs off 17 balls, including three fours and two sixes, as the opening pair added 74 runs before Verma was dismissed by Ruchitha Venkatesh.

Once the powerplay concluded, Mandhana shifted gears, showcasing her dominance.

Pratika Rawal contributed 10 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed by Joyleen Kaur, while Richa Ghosh scored 11 runs off 13 balls, including a four, before falling to Marina Lamplough.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur joined Mandhana late in the innings but could only manage 10 runs off 9 balls before being dismissed.

For Hong Kong, Marina Lamplough took two wickets, while Ruchitha Venkatesh and Joyleen Kaur each claimed one wicket.

In a historic achievement, Mandhana surpassed legendary player Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across all formats. Her 64-ball 124-run innings against Hong Kong brought her total to 10,880 runs, overtaking Raj's record of 10,868 runs. The top five run-scorers in women's international cricket now include Smriti Mandhana with 10,880 runs, Mithali Raj, New Zealand's Suzie Bates with 10,740 runs, England's Charlotte Edwards with 10,273 runs, and West Indies' Stafanie Taylor with 10,007 runs.