DUBAI: India have stormed into the semifinals of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup after registering a massive 137-run victory over Hong Kong in a one-sided Group-stage encounter.
Batting first, India posted a commanding 193 for five in 20 overs, powered by a spectacular century from opener Smriti Mandhana. The left-hander smashed 124 runs off 64 balls, producing an explosive innings that featured 14 fours and seven sixes.
Mandhana’s sensational knock provided India with complete control of the contest and helped the team set Hong Kong a daunting target of 194 runs.
Hong Kong’s chase, however, quickly turned into a collapse. India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure and dismissed the opposition for just 56 runs in 16.2 overs, completing one of their most emphatic victories of the tournament.
Deepti Sharma led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Prema Rawat, Shree Charani and Nandini Sharma claimed two wickets each.
The comprehensive win marked India’s second consecutive victory in the tournament and secured their place in the last four. India had earlier opened their campaign with a convincing win over Thailand.
Mandhana’s record-breaking performance emerged as the biggest talking point of the night, but India’s clinical bowling display ensured there was never any real threat to their victory.
With their semifinal berth now confirmed, India will look to maintain their momentum as they continue their quest for another Women’s T20 Asia Cup title.
India 193/5 (20 overs)
Hong Kong 56 all out (16.2 overs)
India won by 137 runs
