Write News

Smriti Mandhana Makes History, Surpasses Mithali Raj as India Storm Into Asia Cup Semifinals

Posted on 4th Sep 2026 02:34 pm by rohit kumar

Smriti Mandhana produced a record-breaking performance as India defeated Hong Kong by 137 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.

 

Mandhana smashed a spectacular 124 off 64 balls, including 14 fours and seven sixes, as India posted 193/5 in 20 overs. Hong Kong were then bowled out for just 56 in 16.2 overs, allowing India to secure their place in the tournament semifinals.

 

Smriti Mandhana Surpasses Mithali Raj’s Record

 

Mandhana’s sensational innings saw her rewrite one of the biggest records in women’s international cricket.

 

The India opener surpassed former captain Mithali Raj’s 10,868 international runs, moving to 10,880 runs across formats and becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket.

 

Mandhana reached the milestone during her explosive knock against Hong Kong, with a hat-trick of sixes helping her move past Raj’s long-standing record.

 

The achievement is particularly significant given that Mithali Raj had been the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket before Mandhana overtook her.

 

Mandhana Also Breaks Meg Lanning’s Centuries Record

 

The records did not stop there.

 

Mandhana’s 124 was her 18th international century, taking her past former Australia captain Meg Lanning, who had 17 centuries.

 

She is now the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket.

 

The 30-year-old also registered her highest score in Women’s T20Is with the remarkable innings.

 

India Post 193/5 After Mandhana Masterclass

 

After Hong Kong won the toss and elected to bowl, India made an explosive start.

 

Mandhana dominated the innings from the top of the order, scoring 124 from 64 deliveries at a strike rate of more than 193. Her 14 boundaries and seven sixes powered India to 193/5 from their 20 overs.

 

Shafali Verma also contributed 28 off 17 balls, helping India build a formidable total.

 

Deepti Sharma Leads India’s Bowling Attack

 

Hong Kong's chase never gained momentum as India's bowlers dismantled the batting lineup.

 

Deepti Sharma claimed 3/9, while Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took two wickets each as Hong Kong were dismissed for only 56 runs in 16.2 overs.

 

The emphatic bowling display completed India's 137-run victory.

 

India Reach Women’s Asia Cup Semifinals

 

The victory was India's second consecutive win in the tournament and secured their place in the semifinals.

 

With four points from two matches, India moved to the top of their group and became the first team to book a semifinal berth.

 

India will next face Pakistan in their final group-stage match in Dubai.

 

Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Night

 

Mandhana's performance against Hong Kong will go down as one of the landmark innings in Indian women's cricket.

 

In a single match, she:

 

Scored 124 runs off 64 balls

Surpassed Mithali Raj's 10,868 international runs

Reached 10,880 international runs

Became the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket

Recorded her 18th international century

Surpassed Meg Lanning's 17 centuries

Helped India qualify for the Women’s Asia Cup semifinals

 

The ICC confirmed that Mandhana had become the leading run-scorer across women's international cricket and the player with the most international centuries in the women's game.

 

India vs Hong Kong: Match Highlights

 

India Women: 193/5 in 20 overs

Smriti Mandhana: 124 off 64 balls

Hong Kong Women: 56 all out in 16.2 overs

India won by: 137 runs

Venue: Dubai International Stadium

Tournament: Women’s Asia Cup 2026

1 0 Tweet