India Win 8th Women’s Asia Cup, Beat Sri Lanka by 72 Runs

By Thetripurapost Desk, Dubai
Sep 14, 2026
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India produced a commanding performance in the ICC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai to capture the continental title for a record eighth time. India posted 183/5 before bowling Sri Lanka out for 111, completing a comprehensive victory.

The victory was built around a spectacular opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The pair added 129 runs, providing India with the ideal platform in the final. Shafali scored 68 from 39 deliveries, while Mandhana contributed 59 from 39 balls.

Shafali, Mandhana Set the Tone

India’s openers immediately put Sri Lanka under pressure. Their 129-run stand became one of the defining moments of the final and helped India reach a formidable total of 183 runs.

Shafali was particularly aggressive, reaching her half-century from only 24 balls, making it the fastest fifty recorded in the Women’s Asia Cup.

Mandhana also played a crucial role before her innings ended through a run-out while attempting to complete a quick single.

Sree Charani Leads India’s Bowling Attack

Sri Lanka never managed to establish a sustained response during the chase. Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Sree Charani producing the decisive spell.

Charani claimed 4 wickets, while Deepti Sharma added three wickets as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 111. India therefore secured a 72-run victory and reclaimed the Women's Asia Cup title.

India’s Six-Hitting Dominance

India also finished the tournament at the top of the six-hitting charts, smashing 32 sixes during the competition. Sri Lanka were second with eight sixes.

The aggressive batting approach, combined with India's disciplined bowling attack, proved decisive throughout the tournament.

India Decline Trophy From Mohsin Naqvi

The post-match presentation became another major talking point.

India's women's team did not collect the winners' trophy and medals from Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the presentation ceremony. The scheduled ceremony was delayed, while Naqvi presented the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. Reports said the presentation concluded without the Indian team receiving the trophy from him.

However, the reason for India's decision was not officially explained by the Indian team or BCCI in the reports available immediately after the final.

Vishmi Gunaratne Suffers Injury

Sri Lanka also suffered an injury setback during India's innings when Vishmi Gunaratne hurt her right ankle while attempting a throw.

She received treatment on the field and was taken away on a stretcher, briefly interrupting play. Despite the injury, Gunaratne later returned to bat during Sri Lanka's chase and scored 20 runs.

India Reclaim Continental Crown

With the 72-run victory, India once again established its dominance in women's Asian cricket. The combination of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana's explosive batting and Sree Charani and Deepti Sharma's effective bowling proved too strong for Sri Lanka.

India's eighth Women's Asia Cup triumph also provided a strong response after Sri Lanka had defeated them in the previous edition's final.

India 183/5 beat Sri Lanka 111 by 72 runs — India are Women's Asia Cup champions for the eighth time.

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