Mandhana's record-breaking knock helped India seal their second-biggest win in T20Is, qualify for semis

India secured a place in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals after overwhelming Hong Kong by 137 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It was their second-biggest victory by runs in T20Is and with that, the seven-time champions remained unbeaten in the competition and moved to four points at the top of Group A. On the other hand, Hong Kong’s defeat ended their campaign. India, in the meantime, will play their final league game against Pakistan on September 5. 

When it comes to the clash against Hong Kong, opener Smriti Mandhana wreaked havoc. She was the central figure, scoring 124 runs off 64 balls as India posted 193 runs in the first innings. She carried the innings through the middle and final stages as Hong Kong bowlers looked clueless against her. 

Her performance also took her



international century tally to 18, which is the most in international cricket. She moved beyond Laura Wolvaardt and Meg Lanning, who have 17 centuries apiece. Apart from that, the 30-year-old also became the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket history. She surpassed former captain Mithali Raj to register the feat. 

Mandhana’s innings developed after India made a restrained beginning. The opening partnership with Shafali Verma produced 72 runs before the youngster was dismissed for 28 from 17 deliveries. Pratika Rawal added 10, while Richa Ghosh and captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 11 and 10 respectively.

Mandhana reached fifty from 39 balls and accelerated sharply thereafter. She brought up her second T20I century in just 57 deliveries before being run out in the final over.