Smriti Mandhana Hits 124: Smriti Mandhana Century Sends India Into Asia Cup Semifinals

Smriti Mandhana Hits 124: India have secured their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Asia Cup after a one sided victory over Hong Kong in Dubai. The result came with one league game still left for the Indian team.

The match was largely decided by Smriti Mandhana’s remarkable innings. The opener took the attack apart on her way to 124 from 64 balls, hitting 14 fours and seven sixes. Her knock gave India the push they needed after a fairly measured start.

India eventually finished their 20 overs at 193 for five. Shafali Verma added 28 from 17 balls, while Mandhana stayed at the centre of the innings for most of the afternoon.

Hong Kong never really got close to the target. The Indian bowling attack kept the pressure on from the beginning, and the chase quickly lost momentum. Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for 56 in 16.2 overs, handing India a 137 run win.

Deepti Sharma was among India’s leading performers with the ball, taking three wickets for just nine runs. Nandani Sharma, Prema Rawat and Shree Charani also made important contributions as the Hong Kong batting order struggled to put together a partnership.

Mandhana’s century also made the night more memorable personally. Her 124 took her past Mithali Raj to become the leading run scorer in women’s international cricket. She also moved to the top of the list for international centuries in women’s cricket, with 18 to her name.

India’s total proved far beyond Hong Kong’s reach, and the bowlers finished the job without allowing the opposition any chance of a late fightback. The 137 run margin also became one of India’s biggest wins in Women’s T20 internationals.

With the semifinal berth now confirmed, India can turn their attention to the remaining league match. The team will be encouraged by the way both the batting and bowling units came together against Hong Kong, while Mandhana’s form gives the side another major boost heading into the knockout stage.