Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s record 124 powers India into Asia Cup semifinals
India crushed Hong Kong by 137 runs in Dubai as Smriti Mandhana became the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket and set a new century record.
Smriti Mandhana walks back after becoming the highest run scorer in women's international cricket (Photo credit: BCCI/Twitter)
Smriti Mandhana smashed a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls as India stormed into the semifinals of the Women’s Asia Cup with a 137-run demolition of Hong Kong in Dubai on Thursday.
India posted 193 for five after Mandhana produced her second T20I century, before bowling Hong Kong out for just 56 in 16.2 overs. The victory was India's second in as many matches in the tournament.
Mandhana's explosive knock featured 14 fours and seven sixes. In the process, she moved past Australia's Meg Lanning to become the leading century-maker in women's international cricket with 18 hundreds across formats.
The India opener also overtook former captain Mithali Raj's tally of 10,868 international runs to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket.
"Yeah, I mean, till I was batting, I didn't know what record it was because I didn't know the exact runs or all of that.
"But yeah, looking back, one of a very good day for Indian cricket, I would say. Of course, Mithali-di has been such a legend and a role model, and we've all grown up watching her bat.
"So, to go past her in the tally of runs, I definitely never imagined to do that. But happy that there are two Indians at the top two," said Mandhana.
India’s bowlers complete dominant win
Mandhana initially shared a 74-run opening stand with Shafali Verma, who scored 28 off 17 balls. Mandhana then accelerated spectacularly, reaching her century in the 17th over before adding further boundaries to take India close to the 200-run mark.
Pratika Rawal made 10, while Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh scored 10 and 11 respectively.
Hong Kong struggled throughout their chase against India's attack and were reduced to 16 for one during the powerplay. Nandini Sharma removed opener Mariko Hill with a swinging delivery before the rest of the batting line-up failed to build a partnership.
Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets, while Prema Rawat, Shree Charani and Nandini Sharma took two each as Hong Kong were dismissed for 56.
India will next face Pakistan on Saturday in their final group-stage match before turning their attention to the semifinals.