Smriti Mandhana Shatters World Records in Spectacular Women’s Asia Cup Performance
DUBAI – Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the history books on Thursday, delivering a masterclass in power-hitting that propelled India to a commanding 193/5 against Hong Kong in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 fixture.
The stylish left-hander’s explosive innings was more than just a match-defining display; it marked a historic milestone as Mandhana became the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket. With this innings, she moved to 18 international hundreds, surpassing the long-standing record of 17 held by former Australian skipper Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt.
A One-Woman Assault
Sent in to bat after Hong Kong won the toss, India benefited from an aggressive start by Mandhana and opening partner Shafali Verma. While Verma provided vital early momentum with a punchy 28 off 17 balls, it was Mandhana who truly seized control of the game.
Though the innings began with a calculated approach, Mandhana shifted gears with terrifying efficiency after reaching her half-century off 40 balls. The middle phase of the match became a one-woman show, as the Indian opener raced from 50 to 100 in a mere 17 deliveries. She eventually completed a blistering century in just 57 balls, continuing her onslaught until the final over.
By the time her innings concluded, Mandhana had smashed a staggering 124 off 64 balls—an effort adorned with 14 boundaries and seven towering sixes at a strike rate of 193.75.
Rewriting the Record Books
Beyond the global century record, Mandhana’s 124 also established a new benchmark for the highest individual score in the history of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, eclipsing the 119-run record previously held by Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu.
Most Centuries in Women’s International Cricket:
- 18 – Smriti Mandhana (IND)
- 17 – Meg Lanning (AUS)
- 17 – Laura Wolvaardt (SA)
- 15 – Hayley Matthews (WI)
- 14 – Suzie Bates (NZ)
- 14 – Tammy Beaumont (ENG)
An Unfortunate Conclusion
Despite her dominance, Mandhana’s marathon knock ended in an anticlimactic fashion during the final over. Attempting a quick single after a slice towards point, she was caught short of her crease by a pinpoint direct hit from Hong Kong’s Iqra Sahar.
While the dismissal brought a sudden end to her stay at the crease, the damage to the opposition was absolute. Mandhana’s contribution accounted for nearly 65% of India’s total score, leaving Hong Kong with a daunting mountain to climb at 194 for victory.
For the bowling side, Marina Lamplough emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 2/46, but the day undeniably belonged to Mandhana, whose record-breaking performance served as a powerful reminder of her stature as one of the greatest batters in the modern era of women’s cricket.
