Jemimah Rodrigues paid a heartfelt tribute to Smriti Mandhana after the India vice-captain produced a record-breaking century against Hong Kong, China in the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 on September 3.
Mandhana’s magnificent 124 off 64 balls not only guided India to a commanding 137-run victory but also rewrote several records in women’s international cricket, prompting an emotional social media message from one of her closest friends.
Jemimah’s Heartwarming Tribute
Although sidelined from the Asia Cup with a hamstring injury, Rodrigues was quick to celebrate Mandhana’s historic achievement.
Sharing an Instagram story after the match, she wrote:
“My sister is a Legend! Leading run scorer in women’s international cricket.”
The message quickly gained attention across social media, highlighting the close friendship between the two Indian stars. Their bond has earned them the nickname “Wrong Sisters” among cricket fans, reflecting their sister-like relationship on and off the field.
Mandhana Breaks Multiple Records
Mandhana’s century was one of the finest innings of her career and helped her become the leading run-scorer in the history of women’s international cricket with 10,876 runs, moving past former India captain Mithali Raj.
She also became the outright leader for the most international centuries in women’s cricket with 18, surpassing Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt.
Most International Centuries in Women’s Cricket
- Smriti Mandhana (India) – 18*
- Meg Lanning (Australia) – 17
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – 17
- Hayley Matthews (West Indies) – 15
- Suzie Bates (New Zealand) – 14
- Tammy Beaumont (England) – 14
Mandhana also equalled Mithali Raj’s record of 93 international fifty-plus scores, the highest in women’s cricket.
More Records Tumble
The Indian opener’s innings also added several Asia Cup and national milestones to her growing list of achievements.
Her century came from just 57 deliveries, making it the third-fastest T20I hundred by an Indian woman. She now owns two of India’s three-highest individual scores in Women’s T20 Internationals.
Mandhana’s 124 also became:
- The highest individual score in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history.
- The most fifty-plus scores by any player in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history (4).
- India’s highest individual Women’s T20I score.
- Her second-fastest T20I century after the 51-ball hundred against England in 2025.
The innings also lifted her to second on India’s all-time Women’s T20I six-hitters list after she struck seven sixes against Hong Kong.
India Cruise into the Semi-finals
Powered by Mandhana’s spectacular knock, India piled up 193/5 before dismissing Hong Kong, China for just 56 to register a comprehensive 137-run victory.
The win secured India’s place in the semi-finals of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, while Mandhana’s unforgettable innings further strengthened her legacy as one of the greatest batters in the history of women’s cricket.
