Smriti Mandhana sets new world record with 124 in Women's Asia Cup 2026

Smriti Mandhana creates history in Women's Asia Cup (Image: BCCI)

Smriti Mandhana produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting to script a new world record as India Women posted a formidable 193/5 against Hong Kong in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash in Dubai on Thursday. Mandhana became the leading century-maker in women's international cricket, moving to 18 centuries and surpassing former Australia captain Meg Lanning's record of 17. South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt also has 17 international hundreds, while Hayley Matthews has 15.

Most 100s in Women's International Cricket

18 – Smriti Mandhana

17 – Meg Lanning

17 – Laura Wolvaardt

15 – Hayley Matthews

14 – Suzie Bates

14 – Tammy Beaumont

Asked to bat first after Hong Kong won the toss, India got off to a flying start with Mandhana and Shafali Verma putting the opposition bowlers under pressure. Verma struck 28 off 17 balls before her dismissal brought Hong Kong back into the contest. However, Mandhana remained unfazed as wickets continued to tumble at the other end. She reached her half-century from 40 balls but shifted gears dramatically after reaching the landmark, turning the innings into a one-woman assault. The India vice-captain raced from 50 to 100 in just 17 balls, bringing up her century in only 57 deliveries. She continued attacking until the final delivery of the innings, finishing with a spectacular 124 off 64 balls, including 14 fours and seven sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 193.75. Mandhana's innings also saw her rewrite the record books for the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history.

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Highest individual scores in Women's T20 Asia Cup

124 – Smriti Mandhana (IND-W) vs HKG-W, Dubai, 2026

119 – Chamari Athapaththu (SL-W) vs MAS-W, Dambulla, 2024*

97 – Mithali Raj (IND-W) vs MAS-W, Kuala Lumpur, 2018*

81 – Harshitha Samarawickrama (SL-W) vs THA-W, Sylhet, 2022

81 – Shafali Verma (IND-W) vs NEP-W, Dambulla, 2024

Mandhana's innings came to an unfortunate end in the final over. Looking to steal a single after Bharti Fulmali sliced a yorker towards point, Mandhana set off but was never in the frame when the throw came in. Iqra Sahar's direct throw to the striker's end caught her well short, bringing a spectacular innings to a disappointing conclusion. Despite the late run-out, Mandhana had already done enough damage to put India in a commanding position. Her 124 accounted for nearly two-thirds of India's total and ensured India finished with 193/5 from their 20 overs, leaving Hong Kong a daunting target of 194. Shafali Verma's 28 off 17 provided India with the early impetus, while Richa Ghosh (11), Harmanpreet Kaur (10) and Deepti Sharma (1*) contributed around Mandhana's record-breaking effort. For Hong Kong, Marina Lamplough was the standout bowler, claiming 2/46, while Joyleen Kaur, Ruchitha Venkatesh and Iqra Sahar picked up one wicket each.

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