"She is here to create many records"- Fans erupt as Smriti Mandhana's blazing 55 takes India to Women's Asia Cup final

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana played a fine unbeaten knock of 55 runs off just 39 balls to take her team over the line against Bangladesh in the Women's Asia Cup semifinal. The Women in Blue won the game comprehensively without even losing a wicket.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. had to chase just 81 runs and Mandhana's knock ensured that there were no hiccups. She smashed nine fours and a six in her enterprising innings.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were delighted to see Smriti Mandhana step up on the big stage once again and take her team to yet another Women's Asia Cup final.

One user wrote:

"Smriti Mandhana can do absolutely anything in 2024 She gets her 1st ever 50 v Bangladesh & becomes the 1st Indian woman to get a T20I 50 v 9 Full member nations."

"My idolo scored 50 against Bangladesh that too in knockout matches. We are healing world is healing", wrote another.

Another user added:

"Smriti Mandhana in the last 9 innings in International cricket: 117(127), 136(120), 90(83), 149(161), 46(30), 54*(40), 45(31), 13(9), 55*(39). - The Queen of Indian cricket 👌"

Here are some of the other reactions:

"Third highest run getter in #T20I. And she is just 28. She is here to create many records."

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India didn't let Bangladesh dominate proceedings

Bangladesh were rocked early in the powerplay by the Women in Blue and they didn't have enough in their tank to launch a counter-attack. Renuka Thakur made the new ball talk, picking up the first three wickets in a sensational spell of 3/10 in her four overs.

Nigar Sultana's 32 was the only saving grace in a sorry-looking batting display from Bangladesh with the scoreboard reading 80/8 at the end of their 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma added 83 runs for the opening wicket. leaving the Women in Blue just a step away from defending their Women's Asia Cup crown.