- It was India's second consecutive win in the tournament.
- India pacer Nandni Sharma set the tone with the new ball.
- Mandhana reached her second T20 international century in the 17th over.
Smriti Mandhana produced a record-breaking masterclass with the bat as India Women stormed into the semi-finals of the Women Asia Cup 2026 with a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong Women on Thursday.
Mandhana smashed a breathtaking 124 off just 64 balls to power India to 193/5 before the Indian bowling attack dismantled Hong Kong for just 56 in 16.2 overs.
It was India's second consecutive win in the tournament and further underlined their status as one of the overwhelming favourites for the title.
ALSO READ: BCCI Clears The Air On Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar's Exit Buzz Ahead Of ODI World Cup 2027
The gulf between the two sides was evident from the beginning of the chase. Hong Kong, making their first Asia Cup appearance since 2012, struggled to find any momentum and managed just 16/1 during the powerplay.
India pacer Nandni Sharma set the tone with the new ball, swinging it both ways and producing a superb delivery to dismiss opener Mariko Hill. The Hong Kong batters struggled to cope with the quality and variation of the Indian attack and were eventually bowled out for 56.
Smriti Mandhana Creates History
Earlier, Mandhana initially took some time to settle before shifting gears spectacularly. She put together a 74-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed 28 off 17 deliveries.
The left-hander reached her second T20 international century in the 17th over, taking her tally to 18 international hundreds across formats. In doing so, Smriti Mandhana surpassed Australia legend Meg Lanning, who had 17 international centuries, to become the player with the most hundreds in Women’s Internationals.
Mandhana's record-breaking knock contained seven sixes and 14 boundaries as she dismantled the Hong Kong bowling attack.
She then produced another milestone in the following over. Two sixes down the ground took her past Mithali Raj's tally of 10,868 international runs, making Mandhana the leading run-scorer in Women’s Internationals.
Despite Hong Kong attempting to bowl wide outside off stump to restrict her strokeplay, Mandhana remained in complete control. She repeatedly found gaps around the field and cleared the boundary with remarkable ease.
Mandhana Reflects On Record-Breaking Knock
Mandhana admitted that she was unaware of the records she had broken during her innings.
“I didn’t know all of this happened,” Mandhana said after her remarkable knock.
The India opener also praised Hong Kong for their disciplined effort during the powerplay.
“It’s really hard for me to play slower bowlers, but credit to them. They were really disciplined in the powerplay. They bowled pretty well, and the kind of energy they showed was something which we all can learn from,” she said.
Recommended For You
“Having said that, I just love batting, and I’m happy that I could contribute.”
Mandhana also reflected on the unpredictable nature of batting.
“There are days where you hit balls from the stumps as well. There are days where you don’t, and there are days where you edge one from the fourth or fifth stump,” the southpaw added.
India Continue Dominant Run
Shafali provided the perfect support after a cautious beginning, exploding during the final over of the powerplay as 22 runs came from the over.
Pratika Rawal, batting at No. 3 in her debut T20 series, made 10 off 12 balls before being caught at cover. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 10 off nine, while Richa Ghosh made 11 off 13 before both were dismissed attempting aerial strokes.
However, Mandhana's extraordinary century had already put India firmly in command.
With another comprehensive victory secured, India have now won both their matches in the Women Asia Cup 2026. The tournament favourites will next face Pakistan on Saturday, with momentum firmly on their side.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Retirement News: BCCI Reveals Former Captain's Future After Crucial Review Meeting
India Women vs Hong Kong Women: Key Highlights
India: 193/5
Hong Kong: 56 all out
Result: India won by 137 runs
Smriti Mandhana: 124 off 64 balls
Smriti Mandhana: 18th international century
Meg Lanning Record: Mandhana surpassed Lanning's tally of 17 international hundreds
Mithali Raj Record: Mandhana surpassed 10,868 international runs
India: Second win in two matches
Next match: India Women vs Pakistan Women on Saturday