Dubai, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, securing a record-extending eighth continental title.
The victory also avenged India’s defeat to Sri Lanka in the 2024 final. It was India’s sixth victory over Sri Lanka in Asia Cup finals across the ODI and T20 formats, including the 2004 edition, when India defeated Sri Lanka 5-0 in the two-team tournament.
Batting first, India posted a formidable 183/5, built around a record 129-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
Shafali struck 68 off 39 balls, including the fastest half-century in Women’s Asia Cup history, reaching the milestone from just 24 deliveries. Mandhana complemented her with a composed 59 off 39 balls.
Sri Lanka fought back during the latter stages of the Indian innings. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed for 14 at No. 3, while Richa Ghosh made 17. G Kamalini, playing her first match of the tournament, provided a late boost with an unbeaten-looking five-ball 15 as India finished strongly.
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a poor start when Imesha Dulani was dismissed by Kranti Gaud in the opening over. India maintained pressure through the powerplay, restricting Sri Lanka to 38/1.
Chamari Athapaththu briefly threatened to change the course of the chase, hitting Prema Rawat for a six and a four in the ninth over. However, Deepti Sharma struck twice in the 10th over, having Athapaththu stumped for 36 before bowling Vishmi Gunaratne.
With Sri Lanka needing 121 from the final 10 overs, India’s bowlers tightened their grip. Shree Charani dismissed Harshitha Samarawickrama for nine before taking three more wickets, including Kavisha Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva in the 15th over.
Shafali and Prema Rawat also chipped in with wickets before Deepti Sharma completed the win on the final delivery by dismissing Kaushani Nuthyangana. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111 in 19.5 overs.
Shree Charani finished with 4/20, while Deepti Sharma claimed 3/19 as India sealed a comprehensive 72-run victory and lifted the trophy for the eighth time.
Brief Scores: India 183/5 (Shafali Verma 68, Smriti Mandhana 59; Mithali Ayodhya 1/33) beat Sri Lanka 111 all out (Chamari Athapaththu 36, Nilakshika Silva 22; Shree Charani 4/20, Deepti Sharma 3/19) by 72 runs.
FOLLOW NOW
