India capped off an unbeaten campaign in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in emphatic fashion, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai on Sunday, September 13. The victory secured India a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title and underlined their dominance throughout the tournament. After posting a formidable 183/5, India’s bowlers ensured Sri Lanka never found enough momentum in the chase, restricting the hosts to 111 in 20 overs.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana set up India’s big total
India’s strong performance began with an outstanding opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The pair added 129 runs, producing the highest partnership for any wicket in the history of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup. Shafali led the charge with an aggressive 68 off 39 deliveries, putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowling attack from the outset. Her attacking approach gave India the platform they needed to build a commanding total.
At the other end, Mandhana played an important supporting role, contributing a composed 59 from 39 balls. Their partnership provided India with the perfect foundation before the team finished on 183/5 from its allotted 20 overs. With a target of 184 required to win the final, Sri Lanka faced a difficult task against an Indian bowling attack that had performed consistently throughout the competition.
Sri Lanka’s chase falls away under Indian pressure
Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the target failed to gain momentum as early wickets put the batting side under pressure. Although captain Chamari Athapatthu attempted to steady the innings, her fighting 36 could not prevent the chase from slipping away. India’s bowlers maintained control through the innings, making it increasingly difficult for Sri Lanka to keep pace with the required run rate. Shree Charani emerged as one of the standout performers, claiming a crucial four-wicket haul.
Charani finished with impressive figures of 4/20, consistently troubling the Sri Lankan batting lineup and helping India maintain their grip on the contest. Deepti Sharma then added further damage during the middle overs. The experienced all-rounder claimed three wickets for 19 runs, tearing through Sri Lanka’s middle order and effectively ending any hopes of a late recovery. Sri Lanka eventually finished on 111 in their 20 overs, falling 72 runs short of the target as India completed a comprehensive victory.
PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu praise India’s triumph in Asia Cup final
India’s title-winning performance drew praise from the country’s top leadership following the final. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on X, describing the achievement as a “proud moment for Indian cricket.” Modi praised the side’s confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit throughout the tournament. He also expressed hope that the continental triumph would inspire millions of youngsters across India to take up sports and aim for success on the global stage.
“A proud moment for Indian cricket! Congratulations to the Women’s team on winning the Asia Cup. Their confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. May this triumph inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine,” wrote Modi on X.
President Draupadi Murmu also celebrated India’s achievement, highlighting the team’s undefeated campaign. She described their success as a major source of inspiration, particularly for the nation’s daughters.
“My heartiest congratulations to all the members of Team India on winning Women’s T20 Asia Cup Championship 2026. They played superbly as a team throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. They have done the country proud. They are a source of great inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. I am sure, they will script many more inspiring chapters of success and excellence,” wrote Indian President.