Dubai
India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final to win the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 title. Chasing India’s target of 184 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 111 runs.
With this victory, India have won the Asia Cup title for a record eighth time.
Sri Lanka did not get off to a good start in the run chase. Imesha Dulani failed to make an impact with the bat and was dismissed for four runs. Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne then added 58 runs from 53 balls for the second wicket.
Gunaratne was dismissed for 20, while Athapaththu scored 36 off 32 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
Harshitha Samarawickrama faced 14 balls but managed only nine runs. Nilakshi de Silva scored 22 off 16 balls before becoming Sri Charani’s victim. Kavisha Dilhari contributed seven runs from five balls.
Hasini Perera was dismissed for one after giving a catch to Sri Charani off Shafali Verma’s bowling. Kaushani Nuthyangana was dismissed for nine runs.
For India, Sri Charani was the standout bowler, taking four wickets. Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets, while Shafali Verma and Prema Rawat took one wicket each.
Shafali and Mandhana Set Up India’s Big Total
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India made an excellent start. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana put together a 129-run opening partnership in 12.5 overs.
Shafali produced a blistering 68 off 39 balls, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Mandhana also played a fine innings, scoring 59 from 39 balls.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur could not make a major contribution and was dismissed for 14. Richa Ghosh scored 17 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Chamari Athapaththu.
Deepti Sharma was out for five, while Gunalon Kamalini remained unbeaten on 15 after facing just five balls.
For Sri Lanka, Chamari Athapaththu, Chamudi Prabodha and Mitali Ayodhya took one wicket each.
