Smriti Mandhana produced a stunning century as India registered a commanding 137-run victory over Hong Kong China in their Group A clash of the Women’s Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Asked to bat after losing the toss, India posted 193, with Mandhana dominating the innings through a blistering 124 off just 64 deliveries. Hong Kong China struggled badly in response and was eventually bowled out for only 56.
India made a relatively cautious start before Mandhana and Shafali Verma accelerated during the PowerPlay. The pair helped India reach 60 in the opening six overs, including 22 runs from the final over of the PowerPlay.
Hong Kong managed to dismiss Shafali soon afterwards, but there was little relief as Mandhana continued to attack. The Indian vice-captain struck seven sixes and 14 fours during her remarkable knock, taking the contest firmly away from a Hong Kong side returning to the Asia Cup after an absence of more than a decade.
Mandhana’s innings proved even more important as several of India’s other batters failed to make significant contributions. Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh and captain Harmanpreet Kaur were dismissed cheaply, preventing India from building partnerships around its dominant opener.
But Mandhana continued almost single-handedly, remaining at the crease until the 20th over and ensuring India finished with an imposing 193 on the board.
Hong Kong’s pursuit of the target was in trouble almost immediately. India’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines around the stumps and were backed by aggressive close-in fields, leaving the opposition batters with few opportunities to score freely.
Hong Kong managed only four runs from its opening four overs and lost Mariko Hill in the second over. The required rate continued to climb as India tightened its grip on the match.
The resistance eventually collapsed, with Hong Kong bowled out for 56. Deepti Sharma led India’s bowling effort with three wickets. Her performance also took her past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong once again as the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 internationals.
The defeat brought Hong Kong China’s Women’s Asia Cup campaign to an end, while India secured its place in the knockout stage.
Before the knockouts, however, the Women in Blue have another major Group A assignment, with India set to face Pakistan on September 5.
