Dubai, Sept 2026 : Harmanpreet Kaur-led India produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, securing a record-extending eighth continental title.
After posting 183/5 on the back of half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, India’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance to dismiss Sri Lanka for 111 in 18.3 overs and seal a comprehensive victory.
Shree Charani was the star with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Deepti Sharma chipped in with three wickets to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Kranti Gaud, Shafali and Prema Rawat took one wicket each as India maintained pressure throughout the chase.
Earlier, Mandhana and Shafali provided India with a blistering start. The pair registered a record 129-run opening partnership, laying the platform for India’s imposing total. Shafali scored 68 off 39 balls, while Mandhana contributed 59 off 39 deliveries.
The victory completed an unbeaten campaign for India, who had entered the final having topped their group. Sri Lanka also remained unbeaten before the summit clash and finished at the top of their respective group before overcoming Pakistan in a tense semi-final.
India’s tournament campaign included a dominant victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, who were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20 total in the competition.
With the triumph, India further strengthened their supremacy in women’s continental cricket. The victory took their record against Sri Lanka to 26 wins in 31 matches.
India now have eight Women’s Asia Cup titles from nine final appearances, making them by far the most successful team in the history of the tournament.
The comprehensive victory also underlined India’s depth, with their batters setting up a challenging target before the bowlers completed the job in emphatic fashion to crown the team Asian champions once again.
