After opting to bat first, India posted a formidable 183/5 in 20 overs, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laying the foundation through a record 129-run opening partnership. Shafali smashed 68 off 39 balls, while Mandhana scored 59 off 39. Gunalan Kamalini then provided a late boost with an unbeaten 15 off just five deliveries, including a six on the final ball, to take India to a strong total.
Sri Lanka’s chase suffered an early setback but Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne briefly kept them in the contest with a fighting 58-run partnership. However, with the required run rate climbing, both batters were dismissed for 36 and 20 respectively, triggering a collapse. Sri Lanka slipped from 63/3 to 103/7 as India’s bowlers tightened the pressure.
Shree Charani led India’s bowling attack with an outstanding 4/20 from four overs, while Deepti Sharma also picked up crucial wickets. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 111 on the final ball, handing India a comprehensive 72-run victory and their eighth Women’s Asia Cup crown.
