In a shocking Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final, India showed major command in defeating Sri Lanka by just 72 runs! This secures the eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. Such a victory means an unbeaten run, which gives India dominance throughout the tournament. Notable players during the finals match includes Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, both staring the bat before the spinners of India took over Sri Lanka’s chase.
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Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Final: India Set Up a Winning Total
At the start, India had won the toss and was able to bat first. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana were immediately putting the pressure under Sri Lanka.
Shafali Verma Produces a Record-Breaking Fifty
So, it goes that Verma did smash 68 from 34 balls. Which does include the four boundaries and two sixes. In fact, the time of her 24-ball half-century, she became the fastest out of fifty in the history of Women’s T20 Asia Cup. This became her third half-century too of the overall tournament.
Mandhana was able to show some importantly equal support. Thus having scored 59 from 39 deliveries. With that pair, they raised to 57 without any loss over the Powerplay. Then before complete the sixth century together. Sri Lanka was able to dismiss Verma in the 13th over with Chamudi Praboda. This then ends the 130-run opening stand, so later that Mandhana may be run out after the 59.
In the end, India lost three wickets for some seven runs during the innings quite late. Still, G Kamalini was able to strike the crucial six to help the Indian women’s team in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final finish off at 183/5 score.
Sri Lanka Struggle Against India’s Spin Attack
From the very start, Sri Lanka did struggle to chase positively. Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunarathne might have rebuilt after the early dismissal of their teammate, Imesha Dulani.
Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani Turn the Match
The game had changed significantly when India’s own spinners began the regular wickets take. Deepti Sharma had gotten rid of Athapaththu and Gunarathne quickly, which left Sri Lanka at 63/3. Then, Sree Charani showed a decisive spell – by dismissing the Harshita Samarawickrama before she struck twice in her total three deliveries. This removed Kavisha Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva.
In the end, Charani was able to claim four wickets. Meanwhile Shafali Verma, Prema Rawat and Deepti Sharma was able to contribute, for the collapse. Sri Lanka, ending the match at bowled out for only 111.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Shafali Leads India’s Batting Charge
Performance wise, we have Verma finishing with 236 runs from five innings. This includes her three half-centuries. Her performances did become significant for India during this unbeaten run.
One other player to take note of? Captain Harmanpreet Kaur. She was praised for her opener, being the one responsible for the bat and ball. Such is highlighted for high standards that the Indian women’s team for the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final showed throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Mandhana’s 59 did demonstrate how important she is when she is in the top of the order. Though India’s had a lower order due to their late momentum. Still, the squad pushed the total way past 180 – a striking achievement for India’s women’s team!
SEE ALSO: Asia Cup 2026 Cricket: India Crush Thailand by 94 Runs
India Extend Their Women’s Asia Cup Dominance
In the end, this victory rounds up the India’s women’s cricket team to their eighth title win for the tournament! This also happens to be their 10th consecutive appearance in a final, which says a lot about the prowess of the team. The result was significant, overall, because of how Sri Lanka defeated India in the 2024 final. This time, though India’s response was resounding and strong – winning the final by 72 runs.
