Smriti Mandhana delivered a historic performance in Dubai, leading India to a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong, China in their Women’s Asia Cup fixture. Mandhana’s majestic 124-run innings was the centerpiece of India’s 193/5, a total that proved far beyond the reach of their opponents. With this knock, the 30-year-old surpassed former captain Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket for India.
The Indian opener’s innings began with a measured approach, as she sat on 11 off 14 balls before finding her rhythm with a sweep shot for four. She accelerated quickly, hitting three boundaries in the subsequent over. Her partner, Shafali Verma, contributed 28 runs, including two fours and two sixes during a productive Powerplay. Even after Verma’s departure, Mandhana remained dominant, reaching her half-century with a six and eventually becoming the first Indian woman to score two centuries in the format. Her display included seven sixes, which also saw her overtake Harmanpreet Kaur for the most sixes hit by an Indian woman in the format.
Facing a daunting target of 194, Hong Kong struggled from the start, having only managed 114/7 in their tournament opener against Thailand. Nandani Sharma struck in the second over to break through their defense, and by the end of the five-over Powerplay, Hong Kong was reeling at 8/1. Despite a brief flurry of boundaries, the innings collapsed rapidly once Deepti Sharma and Prema Rawat entered the attack, leaving the side at 36/4.
The collapse intensified in the 14th over when Nandani returned to the bowling crease. Hong Kong lost their final six wickets in just 18 deliveries, crumbling from 52/4 to be bundled out for a total of 56 in 16.2 overs. Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with the ball, conceding only one run while claiming three wickets in a single, devastating over. Shree Charani also chipped in with two wickets during the 15th and 17th overs to stifle any potential resistance.
In the final match summary, India Women posted 193/5 in their 20 overs, led by Mandhana’s 124 and Verma’s 28, while Marina Lamplough claimed 2-46 for Hong Kong. In response, Hong Kong, China were dismissed for 56, with Deepti Sharma finishing with figures of 3-9 and Nandani Sharma taking 2-6. 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 both the bowlers struck in succession to reduce Hong Kong to 36/4 before Shree Charani joined the party. The report also notes that batting on 11 off 14 at one point before breaking the shackles with a sweep that went for a boundary.That helped her shift gears effortlessly as the 30-year-old followed it up with, she made a stuttering start initially. The report also notes that the Indian innings was all about Mandhana, earlier in the evening.
