India Secure Eighth Title in Women’s Asia Cup 2026
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India ended the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with another major trophy after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at the Dubai International Stadium.
A powerful start with the bat helped India post 183/5 from their 20 overs. Sri Lanka struggled to keep pace during the chase and were eventually bowled out for 111, giving India their eighth Asia Cup title.
The victory also completed an unbeaten campaign for India, making the title run even more impressive.
Shafali and Mandhana Build India’s Innings
India’s final got off to an excellent start through openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
Rather than allowing Sri Lanka’s bowlers to settle, the Indian pair maintained an aggressive scoring rate and quickly put their team in control. Their opening partnership produced 129 runs before Sri Lanka finally made the breakthrough.
Shafali was particularly attacking. She scored 68 from 39 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes. Her half-century came from just 24 balls.
Mandhana provided excellent support, making 59 from 39 balls. The pair’s contribution gave India the platform needed to finish with a challenging total.
India Finish With 183/5
Sri Lanka eventually removed both openers, but by then India had already built considerable momentum.
India continued scoring through the middle and final overs and reached 183/5 after 20 overs. That left Sri Lanka needing 184 runs to win the championship.
The final scorecard highlighted the difference between the two sides:
| Final Match Statistics | Result |
|---|---|
| India | 183/5 |
| Sri Lanka | 111 all out |
| Winning margin | 72 runs |
| Shafali Verma | 68 off 39 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 59 off 39 |
| Shree Charani | 4/20 |
| Deepti Sharma | 3/19 |
Sri Lanka Cannot Match the Target
Sri Lanka’s chase began with an early setback when Kranti Gaud removed Imesha Dulani.
Chamari Athapaththu then joined Vishmi Gunaratne and the pair gave Sri Lanka some stability. Their partnership brought 58 runs and briefly offered the defending champions hope of staying in the contest.
India regained control when Deepti Sharma dismissed both batters. Athapaththu made 36 from 32 balls, while Gunaratne scored 20 from 22.
After their departures, Sri Lanka struggled to find another partnership capable of changing the direction of the chase.
Charani Leads India’s Bowling Effort
Sree Charani played a central role in India’s successful defence.
The spinner finished with 4/20, repeatedly breaking partnerships as Sri Lanka’s lower order attempted to stay in the game.
Deepti Sharma added 3/19, while the rest of India’s bowling unit continued to keep the required run rate beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.
The final wicket fell on the last delivery of Sri Lanka’s 20 overs, confirming India’s 72-run victory.
India Claim a Record Eighth Title
The result extends India’s record as the most successful side in Women’s Asia Cup history.
Sri Lanka had entered the final as the defending champions after winning the previous edition in 2024. India, however, produced a complete performance across the final to regain the trophy.
The 2026 campaign was particularly strong because India went through the tournament without suffering a defeat.
Shafali Takes the Spotlight
Shafali Verma’s innings proved crucial to India’s victory.
Her rapid 68 gave India a strong start and ensured the team had enough runs on the board before Sri Lanka began its chase. She was also named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, underlining her importance to India’s campaign.
Mandhana’s contribution was equally valuable. Her 59 helped maintain India’s momentum and allowed the opening partnership to push Sri Lanka onto the defensive.
Together, the two openers supplied the majority of India’s foundation before the middle order completed the innings.
A Complete Tournament for India
India’s success in the final reflected the balance they showed throughout the competition.
The batting unit consistently provided strong starts, while the bowling group was able to take wickets when opponents threatened to build partnerships. That combination remained effective in the final, where India’s 183 was followed by a disciplined bowling display.
Finishing the tournament unbeaten added another achievement to India’s eighth title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
India won the tournament after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final.
How many Women’s Asia Cup titles has India won?
India have now won eight Women’s Asia Cup titles, the most in the competition.
What was India’s score in the final?
India scored 183/5 in 20 overs.
What was Sri Lanka’s score in the final?
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111.
How many runs did Shafali Verma score?
Shafali Verma scored 68 runs from 39 balls, including nine fours and two sixes.
Who was India’s leading wicket-taker?
Sree Charani took 4/20, the best bowling figures for India in the final.
Did India remain unbeaten in the tournament?
Yes. India completed the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 without a defeat.
Conclusion
India’s Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign ended with a convincing 72-run victory over Sri Lanka and a record-extending eighth title.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana established India’s advantage with a 129-run opening partnership, while Sree Charani and Deepti Sharma led the bowling effort that prevented Sri Lanka from mounting a successful chase.
With an unbeaten campaign and another Asia Cup trophy, India have strengthened their position as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
