DUBAI, SEP 13 (PTI): India’s women’s cricket team reaffirmed their dominance in the continent by clinching a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title with a commanding 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai on Sunday. The triumph was built on powerful batting displays from openers Shafali Verma and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, followed by a disciplined bowling effort led by left-arm spinner Sree Charani.
Electing to bat first, India’s openers set the tone with a blistering 129-run stand in just 12.5 overs. Shafali smashed 68 off 31 balls, registering the fastest fifty in Women’s Asia Cup history in just 24 deliveries, eclipsing Mandhana’s 25-ball effort from 2022. Mandhana complemented her partner with a fluent 59 off 35 balls, her 36th T20I half-century, striking elegant boundaries and lofted sixes. Their partnership propelled India to 183 for five in 20 overs, despite a late slowdown as Sri Lanka tightened their lines in the final overs. Richa Ghosh chipped in with 17, while Gunalan Kamalini added a quick 15 to push India close to the 200-mark.
Sri Lanka’s chase faltered against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Their hopes rested on skipper Chamari Athapaththu, who scored 36 and stitched a 58-run stand with Vishmi Gunaratne. However, Deepti Sharma delivered the decisive blow in the 10th over, dismissing both Athapaththu and Gunaratne in quick succession. At 63 for three with the asking rate soaring above 12, Sri Lanka’s challenge effectively ended. Charani then took charge, finishing with superb figures of 4 for 20, ensuring the Lankans were bowled out for 111 in 20 overs.
Despite India dropping five catches, their dominance was never in doubt. The early fireworks from Shafali and Mandhana had already shut Sri Lanka out of the contest, while the bowlers sealed the victory with clinical precision.
This latest triumph extends India’s record tally to eight Asia Cup titles, underlining their supremacy in women’s cricket across Asia. The victory also showcased the team’s blend of youthful aggression and experienced composure, with Shafali’s explosive batting and Mandhana’s consistency complemented by Charani’s match-winning spell. India’s success in Dubai highlights their continued evolution as a powerhouse in women’s cricket, combining aggressive batting, sharp fielding, and disciplined bowling to maintain their continental dominance.
Brief Score:
India women: 183/5 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 68, Smriti Mandhana 59; Chamudi Praboda 1/40).
Sri Lanka women: 111 allout in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 36; Shree Charani 4/20).
