Mandhana levels Raj’s half-century record, sets new Asia Cup scoring benchmark

Smriti Mandhana has redefined the scoring parameters of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, equalling Mithali Raj’s all-time record for 50-plus scores while setting a new individual benchmark for the tournament. The milestone was achieved during India’s match against Hong Kong China in Dubai, where Mandhana’s performance shifted the focus from historical parity to contemporary dominance.

The Indian batter reached her 93rd half-century in women’s international cricket, a figure that places her level with Mithali Raj, who retired in 2022 holding the record outright. Mandhana completed the milestone off 40 balls, dismissing bowler Iqra Sahar over deep backward square-leg for a six. This achievement moves her into the top tier of the all-time list, ahead of England’s Charlotte Edwards, who holds 80 such scores.

Following the historic equalisation, Mandhana’s innings accelerated into a record-breaking assault. She took just 17 deliveries to progress from 50 to 100, completing her century in 57 balls. This knock marks the first time an Indian woman has scored two T20I centuries, with her previous hundred of 112 coming against England at Trent Bridge in 2025.

The final score of 124 off 64 balls, comprising 14 fours and seven sixes, now stands as the highest individual score in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history. The innings surpasses the previous record of 119 not out, set by Chamari Athapaththu against Malaysia in 2024. Mandhana was dismissed in the final over of the innings, capping a performance that extended her career total to 18 international centuries.

This latest century also elevates Mandhana above the previous benchmark of 17 centuries held by Australia’s Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt. The performance underscores a shift in the competitive landscape of women’s T20 cricket, with Mandhana now leading the statistical rankings for both half-centuries and total centuries at the international level.

The milestone was achieved in partnership with Shafali Verma, with the pair also establishing a record 50-plus partnership during the innings. The dual achievement highlights the structural depth of India’s top order as they navigate the current Asia Cup campaign in Dubai.