India Crush Sri Lanka by 72 Runs to Win Women’s Asia T20 Cup 2026
DUBAI: India clinched the Women’s Asia T20 Cup 2026 title in emphatic fashion on Sunday, defeating defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The victory marked India’s eighth Women’s Asia Cup title across the 50-over and T20 formats, further cementing their dominance in the regional tournament.
Batting first after being asked to set a target, India posted an imposing 183 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by outstanding half-centuries from openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
Verma produced an explosive innings of 68 from 39 balls, smashing nine fours and two sixes, while Mandhana scored 59 off 39 deliveries, hitting five fours and three sixes.
The opening pair completely dominated Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, putting together a commanding 129-run partnership before Chamudi Praboda ended Verma’s innings in the 13th over. Mandhana followed soon after, being run out in the next over.
Richa Ghosh added valuable runs, scoring 17 off 13 balls with a four and a six before she was dismissed by Chamari Athapaththu.
India lost two more wickets in the 19th over as captain Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed for 14 off 14 balls by Mithali Ayodhya, while Deepti Sharma was run out for five.
India finished strongly, smashing 16 runs from the final over to reach 183 for 5. Gunalan Kamalini remained unbeaten on 11 from five balls, including a six, while Bharti Fulmali scored two.
For Sri Lanka, Mithali Ayodhya, Chamari Athapaththu and Chamudi Praboda took one wicket apiece.
Chasing a daunting target of 184, Sri Lanka struggled to cope with India’s disciplined bowling attack and were eventually bowled out for 111 in 20 overs.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu was Sri Lanka’s top scorer with 36 off 32 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Vishmi Gunaratne contributed 20 from 22 deliveries, while Nilakshika Silva made 22 off 16 balls.
However, the rest of the Sri Lankan batting line-up failed to provide meaningful support as India maintained control throughout the innings.
Shree Charani was the star of India’s bowling attack, claiming an impressive 4 for 20 in four overs. Deepti Sharma added three wickets, while Prema Rawat, Shafali Verma and Kranti Gaud took one wicket each.
India’s comprehensive victory completed a dominant campaign and saw them reclaim the Women’s Asia Cup crown with a commanding performance in both departments.
