Star spinner Shree Charani became the first Indian to take more than 35 women's T20I wickets in a single year on Sunday, September 13. She claimed her
36th scalp of 2026 in the Women's Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The milestone wicket was significant despite being rather soft. Harshitha Samarawickrama, the middle-order batter for Sri Lanka, attempted to hit a straight ball from her down the ground but chipped it back to the bowler for a caught-and-bowled. In the chase of 184, Sri Lanka was left reeling at 86/4. Then, in the 16th over, Charani struck twice to start a massive collapse. Nandani Sharma dived forward at short third man to complete a fantastic low catch after Kavisha Dilhari attempted to go inside-out but only achieved a top edge. Two balls later, Gunalan Kamalini held on easily close to the ropes when Nilakshika Silva attempted a sweep against a tossed-up delivery but mishandled it into deep midwicket. Suddenly, Sri Lanka was 101/6.
India Beat Sri Lanka To Win Women's Asia Cup
Alongside Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu offered considerable resistance when Sri Lanka started their pursuit of 184. Before India scored twice in the tenth over to take command, the pair contributed 58 for the second wicket.
Athapaththu's time came to an end on 36 when Richa Ghosh finished stumping the Sri Lankan captain after Deepti Sharma rushed down the pitch but was beaten in flight. Gunaratne tried a sweep three balls later but was bowled, leaving SL at 63/3.
Charani led the attack in the middle overs as India continued to put pressure on the reigning champions. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 111 in 20 overs after failing to find the acceleration needed in a chase of 184. Deepti got 2/15, and Charani concluded with four wickets for 20 runs as India won by 72 runs.
India's record-extending eighth Women's Asia Cup victory was set earlier when Shafali Verma's 68 and Smriti Mandhana's 59 led the team to 183/5 with a 129-run opening partnership.
