IND vs SL, Women’s Asia Cup Final: Reasserting their dominance, the Indian women's cricket team clinched the Women's Asia Cup title for a record-extending eighth time.
In the final, India avenged their 2024 title-match defeat by comprehensively routing defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs. India has reached the final in every edition of the tournament and has lifted the trophy eight times out of ten.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana Shine
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, India posted a massive total of 183 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by the explosive innings of Shafali Verma and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
Right from the start of the Indian innings, both openers launched a fierce attack on the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana stitched together a century partnership of 129 runs for the first wicket in just 77 balls.
During the innings, Shafali Verma scored 68 runs off 39 balls, hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes. She made history by completing her half-century in just 24 balls—the fastest half-century in the history of the T20 Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, Mandhana also found her rhythm, scoring 59 runs and completing the 36th half-century of her T20I career off 35 balls. In the final overs, G. Kamalini smashed an unbeaten 15 off 5 balls to help India reach this total.
Sri Lankan Innings Fold for 111 Runs
Chasing a target of 184 runs, the Sri Lankan team never really appeared to be in the contest. Opener Imesha Dulani was bowled early by Kranti Gaud. Meanwhile, captain Chamari Athapaththu scored 36 runs off 32 balls, but Deepti Sharma had her stumped by Richa Ghosh, effectively extinguishing any remaining hopes for Sri Lanka.
Apart from her, no other Sri Lankan batter could reach the 30-run mark. Consequently, the entire Sri Lankan team was bowled out for 111 runs in 20 overs.
For India, N. Sri Charani delivered a lethal spell, sending four batters back to the pavilion. Deepti Sharma claimed three crucial wickets, including that of Athapaththu. Shafali Verma and Prema Rawat also took one wicket each.
