India struck gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan as Harmanpreet Kaur-led women’s cricket team produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final on Tuesday.
The victory at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin gave India its first gold medal of the ongoing Asian Games and saw the women’s cricket team successfully defend the title they won at the previous edition.
India post massive 216/3
After winning the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first, and India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided the team with a blistering start.
The duo added 99 runs off 60 balls, with Mandhana leading the charge with a superb 79 off 45 balls, while Shafali contributed 48 off 29 balls.
Harmanpreet was dismissed for 19, but Richa Ghosh provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 49 off 22 balls to power India to 216/3 in 20 overs — the highest total in the history of women’s cricket at the Asian Games.
Mandhana also achieved a major milestone during her innings, becoming the first woman cricketer to complete 11,000 international runs.
Indian bowlers run through Sri Lanka
Chasing 217 for victory, Sri Lanka struggled against India’s bowling attack and were eventually bowled out for just 69 in 15.4 overs.
Deepti Sharma led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Shafali Verma, Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani also contributed with crucial wickets as India completely dominated the final.
Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu top-scored for her side with 29, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to build a partnership as India continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals.
India retain Asian Games gold
The 147-run victory marks India’s second consecutive gold medal in women’s cricket at the Asian Games. India had defeated Sri Lanka in the final of the previous edition in Hangzhou, which was held in 2023.
The victory also opened India’s gold medal account at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Pakistan secured the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh earlier in the day.
Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s collective effort after the win, highlighting the contributions from both experienced players and fresh talent as India began its campaign for more medals at the Games.