New Delhi: The Indian women's cricket side delivered a masterclass in the final of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup, edging out Sri Lanka by 72 runs and lifting the trophy for a record eighth time. The tournament was completed without a single defeat for India.
Winning the toss, India elected to bat and compiled a formidable 183 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid a solid foundation, stitching together a 129‑run partnership. Verma struck a rapid 68 from 39 balls, while Mandhana contributed 59 off 39 deliveries.
After the openers fell, the innings lost a little steam. Richa Ghosh added 17, Harmanpreet Kaur managed 14, and Deepti Sharma contributed five before being dismissed. The lower order saw G. Kamalini remain unbeaten on 15. Sri Lanka’s bowlers — Mithali Ayodhya, Chamari Athapaththu, and Chamudi Praboda — each claimed a wicket.
Sri Lanka Crumbles Under Indian Pace
Chasing 184, the Sri Lankan side stumbled early. Kranti Gaud sparked the Indian attack by removing Imisha Dulani for just four runs. Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne attempted a recovery, forging a 58‑run stand for the second wicket.
Deepti Sharma broke that partnership by dismissing Athapaththu for 36. From there, the Indian bowlers kept the pressure relentless, taking wickets at regular intervals. Gunaratne added 20, Harshitha Samarawickrama managed nine, and Kavisha Dilhari contributed seven. Nilakshi de Silva top‑scored with 22, but it wasn’t enough.
Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 111 in the full 20 overs. Sri Charani shone with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Deepti Sharma grabbed three. Kranti Gaud, Shafali Verma, and Prema Rawat each added a wicket.
Eighth Asia Cup Triumph Secures India’s Supremacy
The victory cements India’s dominance in the Women’s Asia Cup, marking the team’s eighth title. The triumph adds to previous wins in the ODI format (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008) and the T20 format (2012, 2016, 2022, 2026).
After losing finals in 2018 and 2024, the Indian side rebounded emphatically in 2026, reclaiming the crown with a flawless, unbeaten run throughout the tournament.
