What's happened
Smriti Mandhana has become the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket after a 124-run century for India against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup, lifting India to 193-5 before dismissing Hong Kong for 56 and sealing a 137-run victory. Raj calls her a legend and role model; Mandhana’s 18th international century surpasses Meg Lanning’s 17.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Mandhana’s innings has consolidated India’s position as Group A leaders and underlined the depth of India’s batting lineup.
- The record-breaking century shifts the narrative around the sport’s all-time leading scorers, highlighting India’s rising dominance in women’s cricket.
- Raj’s praise frames Mandhana as a bridge between generations, boosting visibility for women’s cricket in India.
- The team’s rout of Hong Kong demonstrates India’s bowling discipline in restricting opponents in the middle and death overs, even as Mandhana’s masterclass sets the tone for the tournament.
- The development likely increases expectations for India in the remaining fixtures, particularly against Pakistan.
How we got here
Mandhana’s performance follows a string of tallies she has amassed since her India debut in 2013, including centuries in all three formats, and marks a historic milestone for Indian women’s cricket as they advance to the knockout stage of the Asia Cup.
Our analysis
According to Al Jazeera, Mandhana has overtaken Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket with 10,880+ runs, while BBC Sport confirms the 124-run century and the 18th international hundred. Raj lauds the achievement, noting the growth of Mandhana’s career. The coverage from both outlets emphasizes Mandhana’s impact on the tournament and on India’s campaign.
Go deeper
- Will India’s next match against Pakistan further consolidate Mandhana’s record-breaking run?
- Can India sustain this form into the knockout rounds?
More on these topics
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India - Country in South Asia
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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BBC Sport
BBC Sport is the sports division of the BBC, providing national sports coverage for BBC Television, radio and online. The BBC holds the television and radio UK broadcasting rights to several sports, broadcasting the sport live or alongside flagship analys
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Meg Lanning - Australian cricketer
Meghann Moira Lanning is an Australian cricketer who currently captains the national women's team. She has been a member of five successful world championship campaigns, winning one Women's Cricket World Cup and four ICC Women's World Twenty20 titles.
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Hong Kong - Chinese special administrative region
Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of the People's Republic of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea.
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Mithali Raj - Indian cricketer
Mithali Dorai Raj is an Indian cricketer and Test, ODI Captain of women's national cricket team. She is a right-handed opening batter and occasional right-arm leg break bowler.
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Dubai - City in the United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai aims to be the business hub of Western Asia.
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Smriti Mandhana - Indian cricketer
Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana is an Indian cricketer who plays for the Indian women's national team. In June 2018, the Board of Control for Cricket in India named her as the Best Women's International Cricketer.