New Delhi: The Indian women’s cricket side produced 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 Indian squad remained unbeaten from the group stage right through to the championship match.

Choosing to bat first, India compiled a formidable 183 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid the foundation with a 129‑run partnership, the highest opening stand of the tournament. Verma smashed 68 runs off just 39 balls, while Mandhana contributed a brisk 59 off 39.

After the openers fell, the innings slowed slightly but valuable runs kept the total healthy. Richa Ghosh added 17, Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in 14, and Deepti Sharma made five before being dismissed. All‑rounder G. Kamalini stayed not out on 15 to see the innings home.

Sri Lanka Struggles Against a Relentless Indian Attack

Chasing 184, the Sri Lankan side stumbled early when Kranti Gaud removed Imisha Dulani for just four runs. Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne attempted a recovery, stitching together a 58‑run partnership for the second wicket.

Deepti Sharma broke that stand by dismissing Athapaththu for 36, and the Indian bowlers kept the pressure on, taking wickets at regular intervals. Gunaratne managed 20 runs, Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed nine, and Kavisha Dilhari added seven before falling. Nilakshi de Silva’s 22‑run effort was not enough to steer Sri Lanka back into the contest.

Ultimately, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111 in their full 20 overs. Sri Charani shone with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Deepti Sharma added a three‑wicket haul. Kranti Gaud, Shafali Verma and Prema Rawat each picked up a wicket.

India Secures Its Eighth Women’s Asia Cup Title

With this triumph, India’s women’s team reaffirmed its dominance in Asian cricket. The side now boasts eight Asia Cup crowns – four in the ODI era (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008) and four in the T20 format (2012, 2016, 2022, 2026). After falling short in the 2018 and 2024 finals, the Indian side rebounded emphatically in 2026, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

“Winning the Asia Cup again is a testament to the depth and talent of Indian women’s cricket,” said captain Harmanpreet Kaur after the match.
  • India: 183/5 (20 overs) – Mandhana 59, Verma 68*
  • Sri Lanka: 111 all out (20 overs) – Charani 4/??, Sharma 3/??
  • Margin: India won by 72 runs