India stormed into the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup after Smriti Mandhan’s record-breaking night

Brief results: India (193/5) beat Hong Kong (56 all out in 16.2 overs) by 137 runs in a Group A match of the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai.

Highlights | Scorecard

India 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 win that was fueled by a record century from Smriti Mandhan and some clinical bowling.

Mandhana produced one of the most striking innings of the tournament, turning a measured start into a breath-taking assault on the Hong Kong attack. Her century helped India post 193/5 before the bowlers ensured there was never any chance 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 cemented their position at the top of Group A with four points and a net pace of +5.775. Hong Kong, meanwhile, have been knocked out of the competition, while India will now look to carry their unbeaten attack into their September 5 clash against Pakistan from Fatima Sana.

A CAREFUL START MAKES FOR A BRUTALLY POWERFUL GAME

India’s innings began in a rather cautious fashion, with Mandhana and Shafali Verma taking their time to assess the conditions. The Women in Blue managed just 26 runs in the first four overs, but there was no indication that the innings was going to explode.

The momentum changed dramatically in the final power play when Marina Lamplough was dismantled for 22 laps. Shafali led the charge, smashing two sixes and two fours as India suddenly reached 60/0 after six overs.

The opening pair added 72 runs before Shafali departed after a brisk 28 off 17 balls. Pratika Rawal couldn’t 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, though the move did not yield the desired result. Ghosh put on 11 while Harmanpreet scored 10 before both fell during the middle overs.

Still, with Mandhana firmly set, India always had the perfect platform for a late attack.

MANDHANA CONVERTS 50 COUNTS INTO A RECORD CENTURY

Mandhana initially played the role of anchor, allowing Shafali to provide much of the initial acceleration. Once she settled in, however, the left-hander began to take more control of the innings.

She reached her half-century off 39 balls, setting up a landmark with a six off Iqra Sahar over square leg. From there, Mandhana brilliantly shifted gears.

Sleek drives were followed by powerful sweeps, sweeps and lofted shots as Hong Kong struggled to dominate. Boundaries began to arrive regularly and the Indian opener turned 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 after scoring a magnificent 124 off 64 balls, with 14 fours and seven sixes.

The shift was also significant outside the match itself. Mandhana registered her 18th international century, moving ahead of Laura Wolvaardt and Meg Lanning, who have 17 each, for most centuries in women’s international cricket.

INDIA BOWLERS COMPLETE DEMO WORK

If Mandhana’s century put the contest beyond Hong Kong’s reach, the Indian bowlers ensured that the chase never even began.

Hong Kong managed just 16 runs in the over as the Indian attack kept up the relentless pressure. Kranti Gaud started with a tight opening spell before Nandani Sharma made the breakthrough with an excellent piece of bowling.

Nandani set up Mariko Hill smartly, bowling deliveries that drifted away before producing one that came back sharply through the batter’s defence. She returned excellent figures of 3-0-6-2, combining movement and accuracy to make scoring extremely difficult.

The spinning mills then took complete control. Prema Rawat played with great discipline and sharp turn to dismiss 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 showed why she remains one of India’s most reliable bowlers. Her three-wicket spell cost just nine runs as she repeatedly troubled the Hong Kong batsmen with her variation and spin. Shree Charani also chipped in with two wickets as the lower order folded quickly.

Hong Kong were eventually bowled out in 20 overs, completing a one-sided contest and underlining India’s dominance in both departments. With a semi-final spot secured and Pakistan next in Dubai, Harmanpreet’s side could hardly have asked for a stronger statement of intent.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

03 Sep 2026 23:18 IST