India win record-extending 8th Women's Asia Cup title after crushing Sri Lanka by 72 runs in final

India swept aside Sri Lanka by 72 runs to clinch the record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on September 13.

India lift Women's Asia Cup 2026 trophy with crushing win over Sri Lanka

The victory marked India's fourth title since the tournament permanently adopted the 20-over format in 2012, serving as a decisive response to their defeat against the first-time champions, Sri Lanka, in the 2024 final.

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Shree Charani-Deepti Sharma leave Sri Lanka in a spin

Although the Sri Lankan attack managed to restrict India's middle order during the closing overs of the first innings, their batters collapsed against India's spin trap. Led by left-arm spinner N. Shree Charani’s sharp spell of 4 for 20, the Indian bowling unit bowled out the opposition for 111 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka's hopes rested almost entirely on skipper Chamari Athapaththu (36 off 32), who combined with Vishmi Gunaratne to build a promising 58-run partnership for the second wicket before the chase completely unraveled.

The decisive blow came in the 10th over when veteran off-spinner Deepti Sharma removed both set batters in a space of four deliveries. Athapaththu stepped out to attack Deepti, only to be beaten by the flight and stumped by Richa Ghosh. Three balls later, Gunaratne attempted a sweep and was bowled around her legs, leaving the defending champions reeling at 63 for three.

With the required run rate climbing past 12 per over, Sri Lanka's resistance evaporated. Even with India putting down five catches during the innings, the massive scoreboard pressure and relentless spin proved insurmountable for the Sri Lankan lineup.

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Shafali-Mandhana crack match-winning fifties in India's win

Setting the foundation after choosing to bat, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma effectively batted Sri Lanka out of the contest with a sensational opening partnership. Mandhana registered her 36th T20I half-century, but it was Shafali who stole the spotlight by hammering a 24-ball fifty—the fastest in Women’s Asia Cup history, surpassing the 25-ball record set by Mandhana in the 2022 edition. The 22-year-old launched an aggressive assault from the opening over, taking apart Chamari Athapaththu with a pair of sixes and a boundary to propel India to 57 without loss in the Powerplay and 98 at the halfway stage.

Mandhana initially played a supporting role, pacing herself at 23 off 22 balls before shifting gears once her partner reached the milestone. The stylish left-hander launched Nilakshi Silva over the ropes for six, sent Chamudi Praboda sailing over long-on, and brought up her 35-ball half-century with a signature inside-out cover drive off Athapaththu. The century stand finally broke when Shafali picked out Athapaththu off Praboda, and a costly mix-up with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur shortly after resulted in Mandhana being run out—marking the third time she was dismissed in that fashion during the tournament.

Sitting comfortably at 140 for two after 15 overs, the Indian innings slowed during the final stretch, yielding just 43 runs in the last five overs. Sri Lanka's bowlers, spearheaded by slinger Mithali Ayodya, adjusted their lines to curb the scoring, while Richa Ghosh (17 off 13) fell just as she attempted to accelerate. Nevertheless, thanks to the explosive groundwork laid by the openers and a quickfire 5-ball 15 from Gunalan Kamalini, India posted a formidable target close to the 200-run mark, which proved too much for the Islanders in the end.