BY MAHADEV DESAI
India avenged their 2024 defeat and beat defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs to lift the Women’s Asia Cup Trophy in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2026. This victory marks India’s eighth Asia Cup title and their fourth in the T20 format.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with vice‑captain Shafali Verma, the Indian squad showcased a balanced blend of explosive batting, versatile all‑rounders, and a lethal bowling attack. The team included Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, and Pratika Rawal.
The 2026 Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup was the sixth edition of the tournament in the T20 format, held from August 28 to September 13, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates. Sri Lanka entered as defending champions, having defeated India in the previous final.
Eight teams participated:
Group A: India, Pakistan, Thailand, Hong Kong
Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates Indonesia
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Match Results – India’s Dominant Run
- Aug 30 vs Thailand: India 159/9 – Thailand 65. India won by 94 runs. Player of the Match: Shafali Verma
- Sep 3 vs Hong Kong India 193/5 – Hong Kong 56. India won by 137 runs. Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana
- Sep 5 vs Pakistan: India 57/3 – Pakistan 55. India won by 7 wickets. Player of the Match: Sree Charani
- Sep 10 Semi -final vs Bangladesh: India 149/6 – Bangladesh 109/7. India won by 40 runs. Player of the Match: Shafali Verma
- Sep 13 Final vs Sri Lanka: India 183/5 – Sri Lanka 111. India won by 72 runs. Player of the Match: Shafali Verma. Player of the Series: Shafali Verma
Final Match Highlights
Batting first, India posted a formidable 183/5 in 20 overs, powered by a dazzling opening partnership. Shafali Verma smashed 68 off 39 balls, while Smriti Mandhana scored 59 off 39 balls. Their 129‑run stand set a record for the highest opening partnership in a women’s T20I final. Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur added 17 and 14, respectively.
Sri Lanka, in reply, were bowled out for 111. Sree Charani (4/20) and Deepti Sharma (3/19) dismantled the batting lineup. Captain Chamari Athapaththu top‑scored with 36, but the middle order collapsed under pressure.
With this win, India extended their record to eight Asia Cup titles, cementing their status as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history. The triumph also marked their fourth T20 Asia Cup crown.
Outstanding Performers
- Top Batters: Shafali Verma – 236 runs; Smriti Mandhana – 213 runs
- Top Bowlers: Deepti Sharma – 14 wickets for 59 runs; Sree Charani – 12 wickets for 67 runs
Reactions and Praise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, saying: “A proud moment for Indian cricket. Congratulations to the Women’s team on winning the Asia Cup. Their confidence, consistency, and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. May this triumph inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine.”
An elated Harmanpreet Kaur said: “We all played to our standards because that’s what we discussed when we came here, and we are very happy with the way we performed.”
Kudos to Head Coach Amol Muzumdar and the support staff for their strategic planning, rigorous training, and ensuring India’s dominant edge throughout the competition.
India’s eighth Asia Cup title is more than a sporting achievement—it is a testament to the country’s cricketing depth, upbeat team spirit, and passion. The 2026 campaign will be remembered as one of the most dominant and inspiring chapters in the journey of Indian women’s cricket.
Cover photo credit: ICC – International Cricket Council
