Smriti Mandhana smashed a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls to drive India Women to 193/5 against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup. Backed by a stellar bowling spell from Deepti Sharma, India restricted Hong Kong to 56 all out, securing a dominant 137-run victory.
DUBAI — Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana delivered a historic batting performance, smashing 124 runs off just 64 balls to power India Women to a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 Group A fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable total of 193/5 in their 20 overs. Mandhana's masterclass—featuring 14 boundaries and seven towering sixes—anchored the innings alongside a brisk 28 off 17 balls from opening partner Shafali Verma. In response, the Indian bowling attack dismantled Hong Kong's batting lineup, bundling them out for a mere 56 runs in 16.2 overs. Deepti Sharma led the bowling figures with 3 wickets for 9 runs, supported by tight spells from Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani.
Record-Breaking Feats and Match Dominance
Mandhana's sensational knock rewrote the record books in international women's cricket. During her innings, the left-handed opener surpassed Australian legend Meg Lanning to claim the record for the most international centuries across formats, registering her 18th hundred. Additionally, Mandhana overtook former Indian captain Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket.
Hong Kong struggled to contain India's aggressive stroke-play after the powerplay. Marina Lamplough picked up two wickets for 46 runs, while Ruchitha Venkatesh and Joyleen Kaur claimed a wicket each. During the run chase, Hong Kong's batters found scoring difficult against India's disciplined lines, with Natasha Miles top-scoring with 15 runs as the side folded under pressure.
According to tournament organizers, official match scorecards, and post-match player statements:
Total Score: India 193/5 (20 overs); Hong Kong 56 all out (16.2 overs).
Key Individual Milestone: Smriti Mandhana scored 124 off 64 balls, notching her second T20I century.
Bowling Highlights: Deepti Sharma secured 3 wickets conceding just 9 runs.
Tournament Progression: Second consecutive group-stage victory for India, sealing their progression to the next stage.
Official Sources Section
Quote Section
"According to Smriti Mandhana during the post-match presentation, 'I didn't know all of this happened... Having said that, I just love batting, and I'm happy that I could contribute to the team's success.'"
Why It Matters
For the Indian squad, the comprehensive victory reinforces their status as tournament favorites while building crucial momentum ahead of high-profile fixtures. For fans and regional cricket development, the match highlights the expanding global footprint of the Women's Asia Cup, providing emerging associate nations vital exposure against top-tier international competition.
Key Facts at a Glance
Match Outcome: India won by 137 runs.
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana (124 off 64 balls).
Top Wicket-Taker: Deepti Sharma (3/9).
Upcoming Fixture: India faces arch-rivals Pakistan next in the tournament.
FAQ Section
What records did Smriti Mandhana break during the match against Hong Kong?
Smriti Mandhana surpassed Meg Lanning for the most international centuries (18) and overtook Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket.
What was the final score of the India vs Hong Kong Women's Asia Cup match?
India posted 193/5 in 20 overs, and subsequently bowled out Hong Kong for 56 runs to win by 137 runs.
Who were the standout performers with the ball for India?
Deepti Sharma led the bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani chipped in with crucial wickets.
Where can fans check official tournament scorecards and updates?
Complete statistics and fixture updates are available directly through the Asian Cricket Council Portal and official broadcaster channels.
Source: Asian Cricket Council, BCCI Portal, Press Trust of India, ANI News