Nisshin, September 2026 : Defending champions India won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in the women’s cricket gold medal clash at Korogi Sports Park here on Tuesday.
India have retained the same playing XI that defeated Bangladesh in the semifinal, while Sri Lanka have also named an unchanged side for the title decider. The final is a repeat of the 2023 Asian Games gold medal match, as well as the Women’s Asia Cup final earlier this month, with India having defeated Sri Lanka in both encounters.
India entered the gold medal match after convincing victories over Japan in the quarterfinal and Bangladesh in the semifinal. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, secured their place in the final by overcoming Malaysia in the quarterfinal before defeating Pakistan in the semifinal.
The contest carries significance for both teams. Sri Lanka are two-time Asian Games medallists but are still searching for their first gold. They won bronze at the 2014 edition before claiming silver in 2022. India, who made their previous Asian Games cricket appearance in 2023, won the gold medal in Hangzhou.
India will be encouraged by the form of opener Shafali Verma, who smashed a century in the semifinal against Bangladesh. Her innings made her the first player to score a hundred in women’s cricket at the Asian Games. The Indian bowling attack has also performed strongly during the tournament, with Sree Charani, Deepti Sharma and Nandani Sharma among those making important contributions.
Sri Lanka will rely heavily on captain Chamari Athapaththu, who produced a match-winning performance in the semifinal against Pakistan. Athapaththu remained unbeaten on 83 from just 50 balls as Sri Lanka successfully chased a target of 179. Hasini Perera provided valuable support with a 42-run contribution.
With both sides entering the final without making changes to their line-ups, the match is set up as another meeting between two familiar opponents seeking the continental title.
Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Women: Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari.
India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud.
