New Delhi: The Indian women’s cricket side delivered a masterclass in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final, cruising to a 72‑run victory over Sri Lanka and lifting the trophy for a record eighth time. The campaign remained flawless – India never tasted defeat.
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 with a 129‑run partnership. Verma smashed 68 runs off just 39 balls, while Mandhana contributed 59 off 39, setting a daunting target.
After the openers fell, the innings slowed slightly. Richa Ghosh added 17, Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in 14, and Deepti Sharma managed five before being dismissed. G. Kamalini stayed unbeaten on 15. Sri Lankan bowlers Mithali Ayodhya, Chamari Athapaththu, and Chamudi Praboda each claimed a wicket.
Sri Lanka Crumbles Under Indian Bowling Firepower
Facing a chase of 184, Sri Lanka stumbled early. Kranti Gaud sparked the Indian attack by removing Imisha Dulani for 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, dismissing Athapaththu for 36. The Indian bowlers then kept the pressure relentless, picking wickets at regular intervals. Gunaratne added 20, Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed nine, and Kavisha Dilhari managed seven. Nilakshi de Silva’s 22 runs were insufficient to steer Sri Lanka home.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 111 in their 20 overs. Sri Charani shone with the ball, claiming four scalps, while Deepti Sharma took three. Kranti Gaud, Shafali Verma and Prema Rawat each added a wicket to the tally.
Eighth Women’s Asia Cup Crown for India
The triumph cements India’s dominance in Asian women’s cricket, marking the eighth Asia Cup title for the side. The victories span both formats – ODI wins in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008, and T20 triumphs in 2012, 2016, 2022 and now 2026.
After falling short in the 2018 and 2024 finals, the Indian women rebounded emphatically in 2026, reclaiming the crown with a decisive win over Sri Lanka. The result underscores the continued rise of Indian women’s cricket on the continental stage.
