India Women clinched the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 for a historic seventh time after defeating Sri Lanka Women by 72 runs in the final at the Dubai International
Cricket Stadium on September 13.
After being asked to bat first, India posted an imposing 183/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided India with a sensational start, stitching together a 129-run opening partnership and completely dominating the Sri Lankan bowlers. None of Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to make a significant impact as India maintained control throughout their innings.
Chasing 184, Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum and were eventually bowled out for 111 runs. Chamari Athapaththu top-scored for Sri Lanka with 36 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to withstand India’s bowling attack.
For India, Shree Charani was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Deepti Sharma chipped in with three wickets to help seal a comprehensive 72-run victory and another Asia Cup title for the Women in Blue.
Top batting performance — Shafali Verma
Shafali is bringing the thunder today. ⚡
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 13, 2026
Watch #INDvSL in the Final of the #DPWorldWomensAsiaCup2026, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #NotAGentlemansGame pic.twitter.com/NKsHImpMh5
Shafali Verma was the top batting performer for India, scoring 68 runs off 39 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, at a blistering strike rate of 174.36. She played a key role in India’s dominant start, forming a 129-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana off 77 balls. Mandhana also contributed with a fluent 59 off 39 deliveries, hitting five fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 151.28.
Best bowling spell — Shree Charani
Sree Charani strikes twice in quick succession, piling the pressure on Sri Lanka’s middle order. ✌️
Watch the #DPWorldWomensAsiaCup2026 FINAL LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #INDvSL #NotAGentlemansGame pic.twitter.com/NXIYwtZ22H— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 13, 2026
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani delivered the best bowling performance of the final, returning impressive figures of 4/20 in her four overs, including a maiden. She dismissed Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup and play a crucial role in India’s comprehensive 72-run victory.
Records broken and milestone achieved
- Most T20I wickets for India Women in a calendar year: 39 – Shree Charani in 2026 (first)
- Most sixes per ball in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026: India – one six every 16.62 balls (32 sixes), the most in the tournament
- Most runs for India Women in a calendar year in T20Is: 675 – Shafali Verma in 2026 (second-most)
- Highest first-innings score in a Women’s T20I tournament final: 183/5 – India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Dubai, Asia Cup 2026 (second-highest)
- 180-plus totals in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup: 183/5 – India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Dubai, 2026 (fifth-highest)
- Highest partnership in the Women’s T20I Asia Cup: 129 – Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma for India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Dubai, 2026 (first)
- Most 100-plus partnerships in Women’s T20Is: 6 – Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma (joint-most)
- Most 50-plus scores in a single Women’s T20 Asia Cup edition: Shafali Verma has now registered three 50-plus scores in the 2026 tournament (joint-most)
- Fastest fifty in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup: 24 balls – Shafali Verma vs Sri Lanka Women, Dubai, 2026 (first)
