Smriti Mandhana becomes women's cricket's leading run-scorer

India star Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the history of women's cricket, becoming the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket after producing a spectacular century at the Women's Asia Cup in Dubai.

Mandhana struck a remarkable 124 from just 64 deliveries against Hong Kong on Thursday, surpassing former India captain Mithali Raj's previous record of 10,868 international runs during an innings that helped secure a place in the tournament's semifinals.

The 30-year-old's explosive performance also saw her claim another major milestone, becoming the most prolific century-maker in women's international cricket.

Mandhana now has 18 international centuries across all three formats, moving ahead of Australia great Meg Lanning and South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, who have both scored 17.

"It's just the start," Mandhana said after India's emphatic victory.

The left-hander made her international debut for India in 2013 and has steadily established herself as one of the leading batters of her generation.

She became the first Indian woman to score an international century in all three formats when she registered her maiden T20 international hundred last year. Her tally now includes two Test centuries, two T20I hundreds and 14 in one-day internationals.

Mandhana admitted she was unaware she was approaching another major record while batting.

"Until I was batting, I didn't know what record, because I didn't know what's the exact runs," she said, according to Indian sports outlet Sportstar.

"A very good day for Indian cricket, I would say," she added.

She also paid tribute to Mithali Raj, describing her predecessor as a "legend and a role model".

Mandhana's innings was packed with attacking strokeplay, including 14 fours and seven sixes, as India posted 193-5 from their allotted overs.

India's bowlers then completed the job in emphatic fashion, dismissing Hong Kong for just 56 to seal a 137-run victory and confirm their progression to the semifinals.

Despite her record-breaking contribution, Mandhana acknowledged that Hong Kong had made India work hard during the early stages of the innings.

"They were disciplined in the powerplay, bowled really well and the energy they showed was something we'll learn from," she said.

Mandhana dedicated her historic achievement to her family as she celebrated a landmark day for both herself and Indian cricket.