Mithali Raj heaps praise on Smriti Mandhana: ‘Watched you grow…’
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Smriti Mandhana smashed a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup 2026. This performance helped India secure their position in the tournament as Mandhana surpassed Mithali Raj's record for fifty-plus scores.
Mandhana's Historic Century Powers India's Asia Cup Campaign
In a dominant display at the Women's Asia Cup 2026, the Indian women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has solidified their path toward the semi-finals. Following a comprehensive victory over Thailand earlier in the week—where India secured a 94-run win despite a fluctuating batting performance—the team faced Hong Kong with the intent to refine their approach and secure vital points in Group A.
Overcoming Recent Scrutiny
The narrative surrounding India's batting lineup has been intense following the 2024 T20 World Cup, where concerns regarding strike rates and consistency were at the forefront of public discourse. Specifically, questions regarding a strike rate of 94.93 prompted a necessary shift in strategy. The team's recent performances suggest a deliberate, aggressive adjustment in batting philosophy, aimed at shedding the cautious approach that previously limited their scoring potential in high-pressure tournaments.
Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Masterclass
Central to this transformation is Smriti Mandhana, whose performance against Hong Kong was nothing short of historic. Mandhana achieved a monumental milestone by equaling Mithali Raj’s record for the most fifty-plus scores in Indian women’s cricket. She did not stop there; she proceeded to register an exceptional 124 runs off just 64 balls. This innings stands as the highest individual score in the history of the Women's T20 Asia Cup, marking a significant evolution in her career.
Evolution of a Global Star
Mandhana’s journey toward this level of dominance has been marked by clear developmental milestones. Her maiden T20I century—112 off 62 balls against England in Nottingham—served as the catalyst for the shift in her approach. While the celebration in Dubai against Hong Kong was more subdued compared to her breakthrough in England, the statistical impact is undeniable. Her ability to transition from a tentative style to one of aggressive dominance demonstrates the maturation of the Indian batting order.
Future Implications for the Tournament
As India looks toward the business end of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, the form of their top order is a promising sign for the team's prospects. While the victory over Hong Kong—a side that showed grit in their narrow six-run loss to Thailand—was expected, the manner in which Mandhana dominated the bowling provides India with significant momentum. The team’s ability to rectify the 'muddled' batting displayed against Thailand by producing such a clinical performance against Hong Kong suggests that Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad is peaking at the right time to challenge for the title.
Multiple Citing Sources