Dubai, Sept 4:
Smriti Mandhana’s magnificent 124 helped India register a massive 137-run victory over Hong Kong in the Women’s Asia Cup on Friday, sealing the defending champions’ place in the semifinals.
Mandhana produced a dominant batting display as India posted 193, setting Hong Kong a daunting target. The left-hander’s century provided the foundation for India’s commanding total and kept the team in control throughout the contest.
Hong Kong, however, had no answer to India’s spin attack. They were bowled out for just 56, with Indian spinners accounting for eight of the 10 wickets to complete a comprehensive victory.
Mandhana’s innings was particularly significant as she achieved three major milestones during her record-breaking knock. Among them, she became the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket, further underlining her status as one of the game’s leading batters.
The emphatic win also confirmed India’s qualification for the semifinals. India will play their final group-stage match against Pakistan on September 5 in Dubai.
With Mandhana in outstanding form and the bowling unit producing a clinical performance, India will enter the knockout stage with considerable momentum.