Smriti Mandhana Shatters Records With 18th Century as India Qualify for Asia Cup 2026 Semifinals

Smriti Mandhana delivered a spectacular performance as India defeated Hong Kong by 137 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. The Indian opener smashed a brilliant 124 off just 64 balls in Dubai. Her explosive innings featured 14 fours and seven sixes. Mandhana’s century played a key role in India’s dominant victory. The result also confirmed India’s place in the semifinals of the tournament.

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Mandhana Rewrites Record Books With Stunning Knock

Mandhana reached another major milestone during her remarkable innings. She registered her 18th international century across formats, moving ahead of former Australia captain Meg Lanning. Lanning had scored 17 international hundreds during her career. Mandhana also became the first Indian woman to score two T20I centuries. Her performance once again highlighted her importance to the Indian batting lineup.

Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave India a strong start after the team opted to bat first. The opening pair added 74 runs for the first wicket, with Shafali scoring 28 from 17 deliveries. Mandhana gradually built her innings before shifting gears and attacking the Hong Kong bowlers. India eventually posted 193/5, setting Hong Kong a challenging target. Mandhana also surpassed Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 international runs during the innings.

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India Bowlers Complete a Dominant Win

Hong Kong struggled to handle India’s bowling attack while chasing 194 runs. The team managed only 16/1 during the powerplay as Indian bowlers maintained constant pressure. Nandni Sharma impressed with her movement and troubled the Hong Kong batters throughout her spell. She also removed opener Mariko Hill with an excellent delivery. India eventually dismissed Hong Kong for just 56 runs in 16.2 overs.

The victory marked India’s second consecutive win in the tournament and strengthened their position in Group A. Mandhana’s record-breaking century remained the biggest highlight of the match. India’s bowlers then completed the job by restricting Hong Kong to a low total. The tournament favourites will now turn their attention to their upcoming clash with Pakistan. India will face Pakistan on Saturday as they continue their Asia Cup campaign.

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