India Seal Asia Cup Semifinal Spot as Smriti Mandhana Scripts Record Night

Smriti Mandhana’s Record Ton Powers India Into Asia Cup Semifinals

India booked their place in the Women’s Asia Cup semifinals in dominant fashion, thrashing Hong Kong by 137 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Smriti Mandhana delivered a stunning century to power India to 193/5 before the bowlers produced a ruthless performance to dismiss Hong Kong for just 56 in 16.2 overs.

The commanding win kept Harmanpreet Kaur’s team unbeaten and confirmed them as the first side to reach the last four. India now lead Group A with four points and a net run rate of +5.775, while Hong Kong’s campaign has come to an end.

India will next face Pakistan in Dubai on September 5.

SHAFALI PROVIDES THE EARLY SPARK

India’s openers started cautiously, scoring only 26 runs in the first four overs as Mandhana and Shafali Verma assessed the conditions. The tempo changed completely in the final over of the powerplay. Marina Lamplough conceded 22 runs, with Shafali smashing two sixes and two fours as India surged to 60 without loss after six overs.

The opening partnership ended at 72 when Shafali was dismissed for a rapid 28 off 17 balls. Pratika Rawal then made only 10, while Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur also failed to make substantial contributions.

But Mandhana remained at the crease and ensured India finished with a formidable total.

MANDHANA DELIVERS A RECORD-BREAKING MASTERCLASS

Mandhana initially played the supporting role before taking complete control of the innings.

She reached her half-century from 39 balls, bringing up the milestone with a six over square leg. Once past fifty, the left-hander accelerated dramatically, finding the boundary with drives, pulls, sweeps and lofted strokes.

Her second T20I century arrived in just 57 balls during the 17th over. Mandhana continued attacking until the final over before being dismissed for a breathtaking 124 off 64 deliveries.

Her innings featured 14 fours and seven sixes and also created history.

The century took Mandhana’s tally to 18 in international cricket, moving her past Laura Wolvaardt and Meg Lanning, who have 17 each. She is now the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket.

BOWLERS COMPLETE INDIA’S ROUT

Hong Kong’s chase was effectively over before it had begun.

India conceded just 16 runs during the powerplay, with the bowling attack refusing to give the Hong Kong batters any room to score freely.

Nandani Sharma struck first and produced an outstanding spell, finishing with 2/6 from her three overs. She repeatedly troubled the batters with movement and accuracy.

The spinners then tightened the grip. Prema Rawat claimed two wickets for 12 runs, while Deepti Sharma produced another exceptional spell, taking three wickets for just nine runs.

Shree Charani also picked up two wickets as Hong Kong’s lower order offered little resistance.

Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for 56 in 16.2 overs, handing India a massive 137-run victory.

The emphatic result not only secured India’s semifinal place but also underlined their credentials as they continue their pursuit of an eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.