New Delhi: In the one-sided title match of the Asian Games 2026 played in Nisshin, Japan, the Indian women’s cricket team has created a new history by defeating its arch-rival Sri Lanka by a huge margin of 147 runs. With this spectacular victory, India not only won its first gold medal of its campaign in these Games but also maintained its supremacy in the continent by winning the second consecutive gold medal in the history of the Asian Games. Due to the brilliant bowling of Deepti Sharma (3 wickets) along with the lethal performance of Shefali Verma, Shreyanka Patil and Sri Charani (2-2 wickets), the entire Sri Lankan team collapsed for just 69 runs.
India raised a mountain of 216 runs
Smriti Mandhana’s explosive inning of 79 runs and Shefali Verma’s 48 runs gave the team a strong start. Richa Ghosh played a stormy inning of 49 runs in 22 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes.
India scored a huge score of 216 runs after losing 3 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. In reply, the Sri Lankan team, which came out to chase 217 runs, looked completely helpless in front of the Indian bowling.
President and Prime Minister congratulated
The country’s top leadership wholeheartedly appreciated this historic achievement of the Indian team. Congratulating on social medium ‘X’, President Draupadi Murmu said that this extraordinary performance, unwavering team spirit and determination of Team India has made the country proud. He said that this victory is a great inspiration for the youth of the country, especially the daughters. At the same time, the ability and confidence of the players was praised by tweeting from the official handle of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO India). The PMO wrote that this victory has given an opportunity to the entire country to be proud and this is India’s first gold medal in the Games of the year 2026.
Veteran leaders appreciated the skills of Indian daughters
Home Minister Amit Shah and NCP chief Sharad Pawar also congratulated the team on this unprecedented success. Amit Shah wrote on ‘X’ that Indian players have brought glory to India with their dazzling display of unmatched skill and indomitable dominance on the field. Sharad Pawar said that the daughters of India have added another wonderful chapter in the history of Indian sports with their dedication, loyalty and excellent teamwork. This aggressive rhythm of the players on the field and the national support received off the field has heralded a new and powerful era of Indian women’s cricket.