Harmanpreet Kaur’s India Women delivered a dominant performance in the gold medal match of the 2026 Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka Women by 147 runs to clinch the top prize in the women’s cricket competition.
Batting first, India posted a massive 216/3 in 20 overs, putting Sri Lanka under enormous pressure from the beginning. The Indian top order produced an attacking display, with several batters making significant contributions.
Smriti Mandhana leads India’s batting charge
Smriti Mandhana once again showcased her class at the top of the order, smashing 79 runs off 45 balls. Her innings included five fours and seven sixes as she took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Mandhana received excellent support from Shafali Verma, who scored 48 off 29 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. The pair gave India a flying start and laid the foundation for a huge total.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 19 off 17 balls before being dismissed, while Richa Ghosh provided a sensational finish. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed an unbeaten 49 off just 22 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. Bharti Fulmali remained unbeaten on seven as India finished on 216/3.
Sri Lanka collapse under India’s bowling attack
Chasing 217 for gold, Sri Lanka struggled from the outset and were eventually bowled out for just 69 in 15.4 overs.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 29 off 21 balls, while Kaushani Nuthyangana contributed 14. However, the rest of the Sri Lankan batting line-up failed to build partnerships.
Deepti Sharma was the star with the ball, claiming 3/6 in four overs. Shafali Verma also impressed with 2/3, while Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani picked up two wickets each.
India’s comprehensive 147-run victory sealed the gold medal and capped off a commanding performance in the Asian Games women’s cricket final.
