India delivered a strong all round performance to beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai last night, securing a record eighth Asia Cup title. The win also allowed India to avenge its loss to Sri Lanka in the 2024 final. This was India’s sixth victory over Sri Lanka in an Asia Cup final across the ODI and T20 formats, including the 2004 edition when India defeated Sri Lanka 5 to 0 in the two team tournament.
India set a challenging target after scoring 183 for 5. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave the team a brilliant start with a record 129 run partnership. Sri Lanka’s chase could not gain momentum as India’s bowlers kept control throughout the innings. Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 111 in 19.4 overs, with Shree Charani taking four wickets and Deepti Sharma picking up three. Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match.
India’s success came from a combination of powerful batting and disciplined bowling. The record opening partnership between Shafali and Mandhana provided India with a strong foundation, while Charani and Deepti played key roles in restricting the Sri Lankan batting lineup and guiding India to a memorable eighth title.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Team India on winning the Women’s T20 Asia Cup Championship 2026. In a social media message, President Murmu praised the players for their excellent team performance throughout the tournament. She noted that India remained unbeaten and made the country proud. The President also said that the players are an inspiration for the youth and expressed confidence that the team will achieve many more milestones in the future.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan also congratulated the Indian team for lifting the Women’s T20 Asia Cup for a record eighth time. He praised the team’s unbeaten run, strong teamwork and determination during the tournament, saying the achievement has brought great pride to the nation. He also extended his best wishes to the players for their future endeavours.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the team and said that the players displayed confidence, consistency and a remarkable spirit throughout the tournament. Congratulating the women’s team on its impressive achievement, he expressed hope that the victory will encourage millions of young people across the country to take up sports and achieve success.