India Women produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash Hong Kong, China by 137 runs in their Group A encounter of the DP World Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 3. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s majestic 124 off just 64 balls, featuring 14 fours and seven sixes, powered India to 193 for 5. The bowlers then dismantled Hong Kong for a mere 56 in 16.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory that made India the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.
The Asian Cricket Council highlights package captures Mandhana’s fluent strokeplay, the early aggression from Shafali Verma, and India’s clinical bowling display that left Hong Kong with no answers.
Smriti Mandhana’s Record 124 Powers India to 137-Run Rout of Hong Kong
Mandhana Dominates from the Outset
Hong Kong won the toss and elected to field first. India made a flying start as Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on a rapid 74-run opening stand. Shafali contributed a brisk 28 off 17 balls with three fours and two sixes before falling to Ruchitha Venkatesh. Mandhana continued her assault, reaching her half-century and then accelerating further.
She brought up a magnificent century off 58 balls and finished with 124 off 64 deliveries at a strike rate of nearly 194. Her innings included 14 boundaries and seven maximums, making it the highest individual score in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing Chamari Athapaththu’s previous mark. Pratika Rawal made 10, Richa Ghosh scored 11, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 10. India closed on 193 for 5, with Marina Lamplough taking 2 for 46 as Hong Kong’s best bowler.
Indian Spinners Trigger Collapse
Chasing a daunting 194, Hong Kong never recovered from early setbacks. They lost their first wicket for just 2 runs and struggled against accurate bowling and sharp fielding. Natasha Miles top-scored with 15 off 27 balls, while Yasmin Daswani and Marina Lamplough were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Deepti Sharma led the bowling attack with excellent figures of 3 for 9. Nandani Sharma claimed 2 for 6, Shree Charani took 2 for 16, and Prema Rawat finished with 2 for 12. Hong Kong lost their last six wickets for just four runs and were bowled out for 56 in 16.2 overs. The margin of 137 runs marked one of India’s biggest wins by runs in T20Is.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Key Performers | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Women | 193/5 | Smriti Mandhana 124 (64), Shafali Verma 28 | Winners |
| Hong Kong, China Women | 56 all out | Natasha Miles 15; Deepti Sharma 3/9, Nandani 2/6 | Defeated |
Final Result: India Women won by 137 runs
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana (India)
Significance of the Result
The victory gives India four points from two matches and confirms their place in the semi-finals as the first team to qualify from the group stage. Group A also features Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong. India’s next match against Pakistan on September 5 will be a high-profile contest that could decide the top spot in the group.
Mandhana’s innings not only set a tournament record but also underlined her status as one of the leading batters in women’s cricket. For Hong Kong, the heavy defeat highlights the gap that still exists between Full Members and Associate sides at this level, though the experience of facing top opposition remains valuable for their development.
Looking Ahead
India will look to maintain their momentum against Pakistan while fine-tuning combinations ahead of the knockouts. Hong Kong face Pakistan later in the group stage and will aim to improve their batting performances. The tournament continues with Group B matches involving defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, hosts UAE and Indonesia.
The Asian Cricket Council highlights effectively showcase the key moments of the match — Mandhana’s boundary-laden century, the early aggression of the Indian openers, the disciplined bowling spells, and the clinical finish that sealed a massive win. India’s 137-run victory reinforces their status as strong contenders for the title and sets a high benchmark for the rest of the competition.
