DUBAI, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026: India are the champions of Asia once again.
Shafali Verma’s explosive 68 and a disciplined bowling effort help India defeat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai
A powerful batting display followed by a disciplined bowling performance saw India defeat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The victory gave India their eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, adding another chapter to the team’s long record in the continental tournament.
India made their intentions clear from the opening over.
Asked to bat first, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers with confidence. The two openers found the boundary regularly and put India firmly in control before Sri Lanka could settle into the contest.
Shafali was at the centre of the assault. She smashed 68 runs from 39 balls, reaching her half-century in just 24 deliveries. Mandhana provided equally valuable support, scoring 59 off 39 balls as the pair built a huge opening stand.
The partnership gave India the platform they needed. Sri Lanka eventually managed to break through, but by then India had already done much of the hard work.
India finished their 20 overs on 183 for five, leaving Sri Lanka with a target of 184.
The chase began with a brief spark, but India’s bowlers soon tightened the pressure. Sri Lanka found it difficult to keep the scoreboard moving, and wickets began to fall at regular intervals.
There was a short period when Sri Lanka appeared capable of rebuilding. Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunarathne put together a useful partnership, but India’s spinners changed the course of the innings.
Deepti Sharma struck twice, while Sree Charani produced an important spell and claimed four wickets. Sri Lanka’s hopes faded quickly after the middle-order collapse.
They were eventually bowled out for 111 in 20 overs, leaving India with a comfortable 72-run victory.
For Shafali, it was a particularly memorable evening. Her aggressive innings earned her the Player of the Match award, while her performances throughout the tournament also saw her named Player of the Series.
Sri Lanka, the defending champions after winning the 2024 edition, had hoped to retain the title. Instead, they finished runners-up after struggling to match India’s pace in the final.
For India, the night belonged to the batters and bowlers alike. Mandhana and Shafali provided the early fireworks; the bowlers then completed the job with patience and accuracy.
The celebrations began soon after the final Sri Lankan wicket fell. The trophy was lifted, the players gathered together, and India’s latest Asia Cup triumph was complete.
India 183/5 beat Sri Lanka 111 by 72 runs.
Player of the Match: Shafali Verma
Player of the Series: Shafali Verma
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Date: September 13, 2026
