India cruise to record-extending eighth Women's Asia Cup title
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana powered India to 183/5 before their spinners dismantled Sri Lanka for a comprehensive victory in the Final.
India produced a dominant all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka and win a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, completing an unbeaten campaign in the process.
In a rematch of the 2024 Final, which Sri Lanka won in Dambulla, India defended 183 with ease in their 10th consecutive Final appearance.
After electing to bat, India raced out of the blocks through Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The openers reached 57/0 in the Powerplay, with Verma striking four boundaries and two sixes.
Verma continued to attack and brought up a remarkable 24-ball fifty midway through the eighth over, the fastest fifty in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history. It was her 21st T20I fifty, her third of the tournament and her second in succession.
Shafali Verma on the charge | Women's T20WC 2026
Shafali Verma takes the attack to the Aussies with a thumping six over extra cover at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Mandhana joined the charge, bringing up her half-century from 35 balls as India reached 98/0 at the halfway stage. The pair soon brought up their sixth century stand together.
Sri Lanka finally broke through in the 13th over when 17-year-old Chamudi Praboda dismissed Verma, ending the opening stand at 130. Mandhana was then run out for 59 from 39 balls, her third run-out of the tournament.
Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur tried to maintain the momentum, but India lost three wickets for seven runs late in the innings. G Kamalini ensured they finished strongly, hitting a six to take India to 183/5.
Chamari Athapaththu dazzles in all-round display | Aramco POTM Highlights | Women's T20WC 2026
Chamari Athapaththu’s explosive knock of 106 not out off 61 balls and a brilliant spell of 1/23 against Ireland secured her the Player of the Match award at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka’s chase began with Imesha Dulani hitting a clever boundary from the first ball, but Kranti Gaud struck later in the over to bowl her. Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunarathne then rebuilt the innings, with the pair adding 58 for the second wicket.
India’s spin attack then began to take control. Deepti Sharma first outfoxed Athapaththu, with Ghosh completing the stumping to remove the Sri Lankan captain just as she appeared ready to accelerate. Two balls later, she accounted for Gunarathne, leaving Sri Lanka 63/3 at the halfway stage.
Harshita Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva attempted to fight back, but Sree Charani ended the partnership with an excellent return catch, leaping to complete the dismissal. It was a significant moment for India, with Samarawickrama having been one of the key figures in Sri Lanka’s victory over them in the 2024 Final.
Dream over for Sree Charani | Women's T20WC 2026
Sree Charani runs riot with a double-wicket maiden against South Africa at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Charani returned in her next over and struck twice in three deliveries, removing Kavisha Dilhari and Silva to reduce Sri Lanka to 102/6.
Sri Lanka’s innings then started unravelling quickly, with Shafali Verma getting among the wickets with the scalp of Hasini Perera. Sugandika Kumari attempted to clear the infield but Nandni Sharma dived forward to complete an excellent catch, giving Charani her fourth wicket.
Prema Rawat then removed Mithali Ayodhya before Deepti Sharma fittingly completed the victory, deceiving Kaushini Nuthyangana in flight and bowling her to finish off Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111, handing India a comprehensive 72-run victory and their eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.