Nisshin: Smriti Mandhana produced a stunning batting display as India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026, securing their first gold medal of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
The victory at Karogi Athletic Park also saw India retain the Asian Games women’s cricket title, repeating their gold-medal triumph over Sri Lanka from Hangzhou 2023.
After winning the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat and her team posted a record 216/3 in 20 overs.
Mandhana led the charge with a brilliant 79 off 45 balls, reaching her half-century from just 30 deliveries. She put on a strong opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who narrowly missed out on another fifty after scoring a century in the semi-final against Bangladesh.
Harmanpreet added 42 during a partnership with Mandhana before being dismissed in the 15th over.
India finished strongly thanks to Richa Ghosh, who smashed an unbeaten 49 off 22 balls to help India register the highest-ever women’s cricket team total at the Asian Games. The previous record was Hong Kong China’s 202/4 against Mongolia in 2023.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gathered momentum.
Shafali Verma struck twice early before Deepti Sharma removed Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu for 29. Deepti then finished with outstanding figures of 3/6, while Shafali, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil claimed two wickets each.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 69 in 15.4 overs, giving India a comprehensive 147-run victory.
The result earned India their first gold medal of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. Sri Lanka collected silver for the second consecutive edition, while Pakistan secured bronze after defeating Bangladesh in the third-place playoff.
India vs Sri Lanka: Brief scores
India Women: 216/3 in 20 overs
Smriti Mandhana 79, Richa Ghosh 49*; Chamudi Praboda 1/34
Sri Lanka Women: 69 all out in 15.4 overs
Chamari Athapaththu 29; Deepti Sharma 3/6
Result: India won by 147 runs.
