4 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India stormed into the semifinals of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 with a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong in Dubai, powered by a record-breaking century from opener Smriti Mandhana.
The win continued India’s strong start to the tournament and showcased the team’s strength with both bat and ball.
Smriti Mandhana Hits Record 124
Mandhana produced one of the most remarkable innings in women’s international cricket, smashing 124 runs from just 64 balls.
Her knock included 14 fours and seven sixes, helping India post a formidable 193/5 in 20 overs. She was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
Mandhana Creates History
Mandhana’s century was not just match-winning but record-breaking.
With her explosive 124, she surpassed Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 international runs, taking her career total to 10,880 runs across formats and making her the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket.
She also surpassed Australia’s Meg Lanning for the record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket, adding another milestone to her growing list of achievements.
India Post Second-Highest Asia Cup Total
India’s 193/5 was the second-highest total in the history of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
The tournament record remains 201/5, scored by India against the UAE in 2024.
Mandhana’s assault provided India with the platform for a total that proved far beyond Hong Kong’s reach.
Hong Kong Collapse in the Chase
Hong Kong’s response was short-lived as India’s bowlers produced a clinical performance.
The Hong Kong team was bowled out for just 56 runs in 16.2 overs, giving India a massive 137-run victory.
India’s spinners played a major role in dismantling the Hong Kong batting order and ensured there was no late resistance.
India’s All-Round Performance
The victory highlighted India’s strength in all three departments.
Mandhana provided the explosive start with the bat, while the bowling unit maintained pressure throughout Hong Kong’s innings. The result also gave India a huge net-run-rate boost as they moved into the knockout stage.
Strong Start to India’s Campaign
India had already begun its Asia Cup campaign with a convincing 94-run victory over Thailand.
The back-to-back wins over Thailand and Hong Kong have put Harmanpreet Kaur’s side in a strong position heading into the remaining group-stage contest against Pakistan.
Pakistan Clash Next
India’s next Group A fixture is against Pakistan on September 5.
The high-profile contest will be closely watched as both teams continue their Asia Cup campaigns. India entered the tournament as the most successful side in the competition, having won the women’s Asia Cup seven times.
Mandhana’s Form Boosts India
Mandhana’s record-breaking performance will be a major confidence boost for India ahead of the knockout stage.
Her ability to combine aggressive strokeplay with consistency gives India a powerful option at the top of the order, particularly in a tournament where strong starts can make a significant difference.
India Eye Eighth Asia Cup Title
India are now targeting an eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
With the semifinals scheduled for September 10 and 11 and the final on September 13, the team will look to carry its momentum into the knockout phase.