Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai
Dubai, Sep 13: Harmanpreet Kaur-led India defeated defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday to clinch a record-extending eighth title.
India produced a dominant all-round performance, with their batters setting up a strong total before the bowlers completed the job by dismissing Sri Lanka for 111 in their chase of 184.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma led India's batting effort with half-centuries and shared a record 129-run opening partnership. The bowlers then took control of the contest, with Shree Charani claiming four wickets and Deepti Sharma taking three. Kranti Gaud, Shafali Verma and Prema Rawat picked up one wicket each.
Both India and Sri Lanka had entered the final unbeaten after topping their respective groups. India's campaign also featured a record victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, who were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20 total. Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, had secured a narrow win over Pakistan in the semifinal to reach the title clash.
The victory further strengthened India's dominance over Sri Lanka, taking their head-to-head tally to 26 wins in 31 matches.
With eight titles from nine final appearances, India remain the most successful team in the history of the Women's Asia Cup.