UAE
India Clinch Eighth Women’s Asia Cup Title with 72-Run Rout of Sri Lanka: ndia produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai on Sunday, reclaiming the continental crown and extending their record to eight Asia Cup titles.
The victory also gave India sweet revenge for their defeat to Sri Lanka in the 2024 final, as the Indian team delivered a dominant performance with both bat and ball.
India posted an imposing 183 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by a spectacular opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma.
The pair put together a record 129-run opening stand, laying the foundation for India’s formidable total. Shafali was particularly aggressive, reaching her half-century in just 24 balls before finishing with a superb 68 off 39 deliveries.
Mandhana complemented her partner’s attacking approach with a fluent innings. She brought up her half-century from 35 balls and went on to score 59 before being run out.
The strong opening platform allowed India to maintain pressure throughout their innings and post a total that proved beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.
Charani and Deepti Lead Bowling Attack
Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum as India’s bowlers produced a disciplined and clinical performance.
Shree Charani was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma added three wickets to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
India’s bowling attack kept taking crucial wickets at regular intervals, preventing Sri Lanka from building the partnerships required to mount a serious challenge.
Sri Lanka ultimately fell 72 runs short, handing India a comprehensive victory in the championship match.
India Back on Top
The triumph marks India’s eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, further strengthening their position as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
For India, the victory was particularly significant after their disappointment against Sri Lanka in the 2024 final. Two years later, the Indian team turned the tables emphatically, combining explosive batting with disciplined bowling to reclaim the continental crown.
With the performances of Mandhana and Shafali at the top and a powerful bowling display led by Charani and Deepti, India ended the tournament as worthy champions and once again underlined their dominance in women’s cricket in Asia.
