India were clinical in their second fixture in their first match India Women began their second Group A match of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with a win against Thailand by 94 runs The India Vs Hong Kong match was held on September 03 at the Dubai International Stadium Hong India was up against Hong Kong and they were expected to build on their dominant opening-round performance.
India were also driven by a Smriti Mandhana century of the highest class – arguably the tournament's knock of the tournament. The opener smashed 64 deliveries for 124, switching gears from the very start with flair, moving effortlessly between aggressive and measured placement and leaving the Hong Kong bowlers out of their depth.
As if a brutal, dominant 124-run ton in this context weren't enough, it was her fourth international century, taking her past the Australian Meg Lanning as the all-time leading centurion in women's international cricket. With a Shakfali Verma able partner at the other end, India couldn't have asked for more from their opening slot.
India are 193-5. India closed the innings on 193-5 which puts them in a very strong position to put the chase on Hong Kong. Mandhana century was the star of the show but its not the 100 itself that makes a difference but how the batting line-up seemed to bat with more intent today as compared to how they did against Thailand.
Hong Kong could not get the starts necessary to combat India’s immense pace line up and found themselves in all sorts of trouble from the first ball of their batting display.
The four-pronged Indian spin attack, was virtually unplayable by the bulk of the Hong Kong batters, with the wily, and experienced Deepti Sharma returning 3-7, and Sree Charani picking up two wickets a piece, along with two apiece for both Nandini Sharma, and Pratika Rawal.
The Hong Kong chase could only muster 56 off just 12 overs of the Indian pursuit, succumbing to an empathic margin of 137 runs.
The win, for India at least, represents more than just another victory as it secures a passage to the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup 2026; after a similarly dominating performance against Thailand, it is more than clear that India possesses a formidable all-round attack, capable of devastating any opposition, batting or bowling wise, and this performance, for India will give their bid the necessary confidence boost.
Even though Hong Kong was trounced, playing against such an international side gave them invaluable experience.
Facing good Indian pacers and one of the best international batters in Mandhana can give any team that is in the developing stage an insight into the levels they would have to reach to survive at the top. Moreover, it is just their second time in the competition and that participation itself would be a stepping stone for future tournaments.
