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Smriti Mandhana scripted new records as India qualified for the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semifinal with a 137-run win over Hong Kong in Dubai on Thursday. The Women in Blue posted 193 for 5 following a second T20I century by star opener Mandhana, who surpassed legendary batter Mithali Raj (10,868) to become the leading run-scorer in the history of women’s cricket. She also went past Meg Lanning for most centuries across formats in international cricket.

Hong Kong, who are playing their first Asia Cup since 2012, never challenged the Indian team and were 16 for 1 in the powerplay. They were dismissed for 56 in 16.2 overs.

India pacer Nandni Sharma was spot on and got rid of opener Mariko Hill. None of the batters were able to handle the Indian attack, showing their lack of experience.

Deepti Sharma took three wickets, while Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani and Prema Rawat got rid of two batters each.

It was India’s second consecutive win, and the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in a Group A match on Saturday.

Earlier, Smriti added 74 runs with her opening partner Shafali Verma (28 off 17). The Hong Kong bowlers were wayward and bowled loose balls.

Mandhana surpassed Australia legend Mag Lanning for most hundreds in Women’s international matches after reaching her 18th ton across formats in the 17th over of the first innings.

Lanning recorded 17 centuries. It was Mandhana’s second century in T20Is, making her the only batter from India to do so. The veteran struck 14 fours and 7 sixes.

In the 18th over, she hit a couple of sixes to go past Mithali Raj in the list of leading run-getters. Mandhana was dominating from the start of her knock and hit all around the ground, putting the bowlers under pressure.

“I didn’t know about the records. It was not easy to score runs against slower bowlers, but credit to them for bowling superbly. They were disciplined in the powerplay and bowled well. We can learn from them. I love batting, and I am happy that I could contribute with the bat in the second game,” said Smriti Mandhana.

“There are days when you are able to hit cleanly. There are days when nothing goes right for you and you start edging the ball from fourth or the fifth stump,” she added.