Smriti Mandhana produced a sensational batting performance, smashing her second T20I century as India cruised to a 137-run victory over Hong Kong in Dubai and secured their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
India were asked to bat first and initially made a cautious start, reaching 38 without loss after five overs. Hong Kong’s disciplined bowling kept the Indian openers relatively quiet, with Shafali Verma facing only six deliveries during the opening five overs.
The momentum shifted in the eighth over when Shafali attacked Marina Lamplough, hitting two fours and two sixes in an expensive 22-run over. She eventually fell for 28, but by then she and Mandhana had put together a 74-run opening partnership.
Mandhana then took control of the innings. After reaching her half-century from 40 balls, she dramatically accelerated, scoring her second fifty from just 18 deliveries. She survived a chance at deep square leg before launching an extraordinary attack towards the end of the innings.
The left-hander smashed three consecutive sixes in the 18th over and brought up her century in style. She eventually finished unbeaten on 124, helping India post an imposing 193 for 5.
Her innings also saw her achieve a major career milestone. Mandhana surpassed former India captain Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket.
Hong Kong Collapse Under Pressure
Hong Kong's chase never gained momentum against India's varied bowling attack. Nandani Sharma continued her impressive tournament, striking twice and helping India reduce Hong Kong to 4 for 1 early in the innings.
Yasmin Daswani and Natasha Miles briefly provided resistance with a 27-run partnership, the highest of Hong Kong's innings. However, once Daswani fell to Deepti Sharma and Miles followed shortly afterwards, the innings completely unravelled.
India's spinners dominated the remainder of the chase. Deepti Sharma finished with 3 for 9, while the rest of India's bowling attack continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals.
Hong Kong suffered a dramatic collapse at the end, losing their last five wickets for just two runs in 11 deliveries. They went from 54 for 5 to 56 all out, completing one of the most emphatic defeats of the tournament.
The victory gave India their second consecutive win and confirmed their place in the semi-finals. For Hong Kong, the second straight defeat ended their hopes of progressing to the next round.
