In a dominant display of power-hitting and clinical spin bowling, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India Women dismantled defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, reclaiming the continental crown and extending their record to an unmatched eight titles.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, India posted a commanding 183 for 5. The foundation was laid by a blistering 129-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana — the highest opening stand in Women’s Asia Cup history. Shafali exploded for 68 off just 39 balls (nine fours, two sixes), racing to a 24-ball half-century that set a new tournament record for the fastest fifty. Mandhana complemented her perfectly with a fluent 59 off 39 deliveries (five fours, three sixes).
Although the middle order slowed somewhat, a late flourish — including an unbeaten 15 off five balls — lifted India to a formidable total that proved well beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.
Chasing 184, the 2024 champions never found momentum. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 36, but wickets tumbled regularly. Young spinner Shree Charani starred with a career-highlight 4 for 20, while Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets to help bowl Sri Lanka out for 111 in 20 overs.
The victory was particularly sweet for India, who had suffered a shock defeat to Sri Lanka in the 2024 final in Dambulla. This time, the Women in Blue remained undefeated throughout the tournament and underlined their status as Asia’s dominant force.
As the team celebrated on the field with hugs, smiles, and the glittering trophy, the message was clear: India’s women’s cricket continues its ascent, blending explosive batting with sharp bowling to stay firmly on top of the Asian game.
