India Women Reclaim Asian Throne With Dominant 72-Run Victory Over Sri Lanka

DUBAI — The Indian Women’s Cricket Team reclaimed the continental crown, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The victory marks a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title for India, avenging their 2024 final loss against the same opponent.

Record Opening Stand Sets the Pace

Electing to bat after winning the toss, India set a formidable total of 183/5 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a record-breaking 129-run opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana—the highest opening partnership recorded in a Women’s Asia Cup final.

• Shafali Verma struck a 24-ball half-century—the fastest in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history—before finishing with 68 off 39 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes).

• Smriti Mandhana provided steady support from the other end, scoring 59 off 39 deliveries.

• A late cameo by Gunalan Kamalini (15* off 5 balls), capped with a six on the final ball, pushed India past the 180-run mark.

Spin Attack Triggers Sri Lankan Collapse

In response, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 111 in 20 overs. While skipper Chamari Athapaththu (36) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20) kept the chase alive early on with a 58-run second-wicket stand, India's spin attack quickly broke the game open.

• Deepti Sharma (3/19) provided the initial breakthrough by stumping Athapaththu in the 10th over, dismantling Sri Lanka's top order.

• Shree Charani (4/20) tore through the middle and lower order, claiming key wickets as Sri Lanka lost their last eight wickets for just 50 runs.