Smriti Mandhana delivered a historic performance in Dubai, anchoring India to a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong, China, in their Women’s Asia Cup clash. Her spectacular knock of 124 runs not only propelled India to a formidable total of 193/5 but also saw her overtake former captain Mithali Raj to become the highest run-getter in women’s international cricket history.
India’s innings began with a cautious approach from Mandhana, who was 11 off 14 balls before finding her rhythm with a well-timed sweep. She accelerated quickly, hitting three boundaries in the following over. Her opening partner, Shafali Verma, contributed 28 runs, including two fours and two sixes in the final over of the Powerplay, before departing. Mandhana remained undeterred, reaching her half-century with a six and continuing her aggressive display. She became the first Indian woman to score two centuries in the format and surpassed Harmanpreet Kaur for the most sixes by an Indian woman, clearing the ropes seven times during her innings.
Facing a daunting target of 194, Hong Kong struggled from the outset. Nandani Sharma struck in the second over, and by the end of the Powerplay, the side was reeling at 8/1. Despite a brief attempt to find boundaries, the middle order collapsed under pressure from Deepti Sharma and Prema Rawat, who reduced the opposition to 36/4.
The innings ended in a dramatic collapse as Hong Kong lost their final six wickets in just 18 deliveries. Deepti Sharma was particularly lethal, conceding only one run while claiming three wickets in a single over. Further contributions from Shree Charani helped dismantle the lineup, with Hong Kong eventually bundled out for 56 in 16.2 overs.
In the final match summary, India Women posted 193/5 in their 20 overs, led by Mandhana’s 124 and Verma’s 28, with Marina Lamplough taking 2-46 for Hong Kong. The bowling effort was spearheaded by Deepti Sharma (3-9) and Nandani Sharma (2-6), securing a comprehensive win for India. The report also notes that mandhana’s majestic 124 was the highlight in India’s 193/5 – a total their opponents came nowhere closer to chasing down as they fell short comfortably by 137 runs. The report also notes that having made only 114/7 in the tournament opener against Thailand, Hong Kong were always up against it when India had set them a target of 194. The report also notes that both the bowlers struck in succession to reduce Hong Kong to 36/4 before Shree Charani joined the party. The report also notes that the procession started as early as in the second over of the chase when Nandani Sharma bowled two outswingers before bringing one back in to breach the defence. The report also notes that things then went downhill real quick after Deepti Sharma and Prema Rawat came into the attack. The report also notes that from 52/4, Hong Kong were bundled out for just 56 as they lost their final six wickets in the space of 18 deliveries.
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