India storm into semis after Smriti Mandhana's record night

Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124 powered India to a commanding total before their bowlers dismantled Hong Kong to secure a dominant 137-run victory. The win made India the first team to qualify for the Women's Asia Cup semi-finals.India beat Hong Kong by 137 runs in Dubai. Courtesy: BCCI WomenBrief Scores: India (193/5) beat Hong Kong (56-all out in 16.2 overs) by 137 runs in Dubai in the Women's Asia Cup Group A match.Highlights | ScorecardIndia stormed into the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup with another commanding performance against Hong Kong at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side extended their unbeaten run in the tournament with a comprehensive victory, powered by a record-breaking century from Smriti Mandhana and a clinical bowling display.Mandhana produced one of the standout innings of the tournament, turning a measured start into a breathtaking assault on the Hong Kong attack. Her century helped India post 193/5 before the bowlers ensured there was never any possibility of a comeback, dismissing Hong Kong for 56 in 16.2 overs to complete a 137-run victory. The result also confirmed India as the first team in the tournament to qualify for the last four. The seven-time champions strengthened their position at the top of Group A with four points and a net run rate of +5.775. Hong Kong, meanwhile, were knocked out of the competition, while India will now look to carry their unbeaten run into their September 5 clash against Fatima Sana’s Pakistan.CAUTIOUS START GIVES AWAY TO BRUTAL POWERPLAY Shafali Verma made a strong start in the powerplay. Courtesy: BCCI Women India’s innings began in relatively cautious fashion, with Mandhana and Shafali Verma taking time to assess the conditions. The Women in Blue managed only 26 runs in the first four overs, but there was little sign that the innings was about to explode. The momentum shifted dramatically in the final over of the powerplay when Marina Lamplough was taken apart for 22 runs. Shafali led the charge, smashing two sixes and two fours as India suddenly raced to 60/0 after six overs.The opening pair added 72 runs before Shafali departed after a brisk 28 off 17 balls. Pratika Rawal could not build on the platform, making 10 off 12 balls, but Mandhana continued to hold the innings together.India also promoted Richa Ghosh to No. 4 ahead of Harmanpreet, although the move did not produce the desired result. Ghosh made 11, while Harmanpreet scored 10 before both fell during the middle overs.Yet, with Mandhana firmly set, India always had the perfect platform for a late assault.MANDHANA TURNS MEASURED FIFTY INTO RECORD CENTURY Smriti Mandhana scored 124 runs against Hong Kong. Courtesy: BCCI Women Mandhana initially played the anchor’s role, allowing Shafali to provide much of the early acceleration. Once she settled, however, the left-hander began taking greater control of the innings.She reached her half-century off 39 balls, bringing up the landmark with a six off Iqra Sahar over square leg. From there, Mandhana shifted through the gears brilliantly.Elegant drives were followed by powerful pulls, sweeps and lofted shots as Hong Kong struggled to contain her. The boundaries began arriving regularly, and the Indian opener transformed what had been a steady innings into a dominant one.Her second T20I century came off just 57 balls in the 17th over. Mandhana eventually fell in the final over after scoring a magnificent 124 off 64 balls, with 14 fours and seven sixes.The innings was significant beyond the match itself. Mandhana registered her 18th international century, moving ahead of Laura Wolvaardt and Meg Lanning, who have 17 each, for the most centuries in women’s international cricket.INDIA BOWLERS COMPLETE DEMOTION JOB India bowled Hong Kong out for 56. Courtesy: BCCI Women If Mandhana’s century put the contest beyond Hong Kong’s reach, India’s bowlers ensured the chase never even got started.Hong Kong managed only 16 runs in the powerplay as the Indian attack maintained relentless pressure. Kranti Gaud began with a tight opening spell before Nandani Sharma made the breakthrough with a superb piece of bowling.Nandani set up Mariko Hill cleverly, bowling deliveries that moved away before producing one that came back sharply through the batter’s defence. She returned outstanding figures of 3-0-6-2, combining movement and accuracy to make scoring extremely difficult.The spinners then took complete control. Prema Rawat bowled with excellent discipline and sharp turn, dismissing Hong Kong captain Natasha Miles, who struggled to break free during her stay at the crease. Rawat finished with figures of 3-0-12-2.Deepti Sharma once again demonstrated why she remains one of India’s most reliable bowlers. Her three-wicket spell cost just nine runs, as she repeatedly troubled Hong Kong’s batters with her variations and turn. Shree Charani also chipped in with two wickets as the lower order folded quickly.Hong Kong were eventually bowled out inside 20 overs, completing a one-sided contest and underlining India’s dominance in both departments. With a semi-final place secured and Pakistan next in Dubai, Harmanpreet’s side could hardly have asked for a more emphatic statement of intent.- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 23:18 IST