Smriti Mandhana Breaks Records in Asia Cup Stunner

The Cliff News | 4 September 2026

Indian women's cricket vice-captain and opening batter Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in the annals of cricket history with a phenomenal performance in the Women's Asia Cup 2026. She smashed a blistering 124 off just 64 balls against Hong Kong, breaking veteran Mithali Raj's long-standing record and becoming the highest run-scorer in Women's International Cricket.

Mandhana's exceptional innings not only shattered previous milestones but also cemented her status as one of the most formidable batters in the women's game. This latest achievement follows a string of impressive performances that have consistently elevated her standing in the sport.

Historic Milestone Achieved

Mandhana's century against Hong Kong is now the highest individual score in the history of the Women's Asia Cup (T20I). This feat has placed her at the pinnacle of international run-scorers, surpassing the previous record held by India's former captain, Mithali Raj.

Furthermore, Mandhana has become the first Indian woman cricketer to score more than one century in T20 Internationals. This milestone highlights her consistent ability to produce match-winning performances on the big stage.

Record-Breaking Calendar Year Feat

Adding another feather to her cap, Mandhana is the only woman cricketer globally to have scored over 500 runs in four different calendar years in T20 cricket. Her remarkable consistency is evident with such scores achieved in 2018, 2022, 2024, and now, 2026.

This remarkable record underscores her enduring form and her significant contribution to the sport over an extended period. Her ability to maintain such high standards year after year is a testament to her dedication and skill.

Leadership and Franchise Success

On the domestic front, Mandhana captains the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women's Premier League (WPL), leading them to a championship title in 2024. Her leadership qualities have been instrumental in the team's success.

Internationally, she plays for Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred, further showcasing her versatility and impact across different leagues. As vice-captain of the Indian team, she also played a crucial role in India's campaign in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup in 2025, which was hosted by India.