Dubai: India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, clinching a record-extending eighth title and avenging their 2024 final defeat.
India posted 183 for five after Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma produced a record 129-run opening partnership.
Shafali smashed 68 off 39 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, while Mandhana scored 59 off 39 and registered her 36th T20I half-century. Shafali reached her fifty in just 24 balls, the fastest in Women’s Asia Cup history.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum as India’s bowlers kept control throughout. Kranti Gaud struck in the first over before Deepti Sharma dismissed captain Chamari Athapaththu for 36 and Vishmi Gunaratne for 20. Deepti finished with three wickets for 19 runs.
Sree Charani Stars With Four Wickets
Left-arm spinner Sree Charani led the attack with four wickets, dismissing Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari.
Prema Rawat also contributed with a stumping, while Deepti completed the innings by bowling Kaushani Nuthyangana.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111, with India completing a dominant victory over the defending champions, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament until the final.
