Asia Cup: India storm into semis as Mandhana’s record 124, spin blitz crush Hong Kong

By Army jaat

Namaste cricket family! 🙏 Let me share something that had me doing little celebratory *adavus* in my living room last night. **India storm into Women's Asia Cup semis with a masterclass** In Dubai, India delivered a performance that was as graceful as it was devastating. Chasing nothing in particular (well, setting the target!), India posted a imposing 193/5 after Hong Kong won the toss and chose to field first. **Mandhana's record-shattering 124** Smriti Mandhana reminded everyone why she's the queen of the crease. Shifting gears dramatically after a shaky start (Shafali Verma gave a brisk 28 off 17 before going), Mandhana took complete control. She reached her fifty in 40 balls and her century in just 57 deliveries, finishing a sensational **124 off 64 balls** with 14 fours and 7 sixes at a blistering 193.75 SR. But the numbers on the scoreboard pale in comparison to what this innings achieved: - It's her **18th international century**, surpassing Meg Lanning's 17 to become the **leading centurymaker in women's international cricket** - She broke Chamari Athapaththu's record for the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, smashing past the unbeaten 119 Her dismissal via a run-out mixup with Bharti Fulmali in the final over came too late to stop India from reaching a formidable total. **Spin blitz shuts down Hong Kong** The bowling was equally hypnotic in its efficiency. India's spin-heavy attack strangled Hong Kong's chase from the very start, slipping them to 32/3. Deepti Sharma led the charge with a stunning **3/9 from just 3 overs**, removing key batters Natasha Miles and Yasmin Daswani. Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani kept the pressure mounting, with Charani copping the spotlight for a sharp stumping of Shanzeen Shahzad (wickets kept falling like dominoes). Hong Kong were bowled out for a meagre **56 in 16.2 overs**—a crushing 137-run defeat. India's spotless place in the semifinals is now sealed. What a performance to celebrate! 💛💚 *What's your take on Mandhana crossing Lanning's record? Drop your thoughts below!* Source: Times of India