Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana power India to victory as Sri Lanka are bowled out for 111.
Sri Lanka’s disappointing start to the run chase ultimately led to their defeat.
Report By: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
India produced a commanding all-round performance at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final to claim a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title.
The victory saw India reclaim the continental crown in emphatic fashion, with a powerful batting display from Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana followed by a disciplined spin-bowling performance that brought Sri Lanka’s chase to a swift end.
India posted 183/5 after Shafali and Mandhana tore into the Sri Lankan attack during a record-breaking opening stand. The pair put together 129 runs for the first wicket, the highest opening partnership in a Women’s Asia Cup final, providing India with the platform for a formidable total.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India made an explosive start, racing to 57 without loss by the end of the powerplay.
Shafali immediately attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers, combining power with placement as she found the boundary regularly. The opener brought up her half-century in just 24 balls, setting the tempo for India’s innings.
She eventually finished with an outstanding 68 from 39 deliveries at a strike rate of 174.35.
Mandhana initially played the supporting role but soon accelerated alongside her opening partner. She scored 59 from 39 balls, ensuring India maintained a strong scoring rate and kept Sri Lanka under pressure.
India reached 98 without loss at the end of 10 overs and appeared on course for a total in excess of 200.
Sri Lanka finally made a breakthrough in the 13th over when Shafali mistimed a shot to cover. Mandhana followed shortly afterwards, dismissed for 59 at 132/2 in the 14th over.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers then managed to slow India’s scoring rate, but India’s middle and lower order ensured the innings retained momentum.
Gunalan Kamalini provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 15 from just five balls in the final over to lift India to 183/5 from their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka faced a daunting target of 184, but their pursuit got off to a difficult start.
Imesha Dulani initially showed positive intent, shuffling across to a full delivery from Kranti Gaud and paddling it past short fine leg for four. However, her attempt to repeat the shot brought her downfall. She missed a scoop in the same over and was bowled, with the ball crashing into the top of leg stump.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne attempted to rebuild the innings, putting together a 58-run partnership and briefly giving Sri Lanka hope of mounting a challenge.
But India’s bowling attack steadily tightened its grip. Deepti Sharma’s introduction proved decisive. Athapaththu attempted to attack but was beaten by a sharply turning delivery, allowing wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh to complete the stumping. The Sri Lankan captain departed for 36.
Deepti struck again in the same over, having Vishmi Gunaratne bowled and leaving Sri Lanka in serious trouble with 121 runs still required from the final 10 overs. From that point, India’s spinners took complete control.
Shree Charani continued the assault, removing Harshitha Samarawickrama for 9 with a sharp return catch. Samarawickrama had been one of Sri Lanka’s key performers in their 2024 Asia Cup triumph, but she could not influence this final.
Charani then struck twice in the same over. Kavisha Dilhari sliced a thick outside edge towards short third before Nilakshika Silva top-edged a delivery towards deep square leg.
India’s fielding was not flawless, with five catches going down, but Sri Lanka were unable to capitalize on the reprieves.
Deepti Sharma finished with excellent figures of 3/19, while Shree Charani claimed 4/20. Together, the two spinners accounted for seven wickets and ensured Sri Lanka’s chase never developed any real momentum.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 111 in 20 overs, handing India a comprehensive 72-run victory.
The result gave India their eighth Women’s Asia Cup title and their fourth championship in the T20 format.
The victory was also a measure of redemption for India, who had suffered defeat against Sri Lanka in the final of the previous edition.
The combination of an explosive opening partnership and a relentless spin attack proved decisive. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana provided the fireworks with the bat, while Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase with the ball.
