India Women are facing defending champions Sri Lanka Women in the final of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. India won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming for a record-extending eighth title.
Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma launched a blistering assault, putting on a record 129-run partnership for the first wicket. Shafali Verma scored a rapid 68 off 39 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes), reaching her fifty in just 24 balls — the fastest half-century in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history. Smriti Mandhana contributed a fluent 59 off 39 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes).
Their stand was the highest opening partnership in any women’s T20I final and the highest for any wicket in the Women’s Asia Cup. After both openers fell in quick succession (Shafali caught off Chamudi Praboda and Mandhana run out), India lost momentum in the middle overs.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (14), Richa Ghosh (17) and Deepti Sharma (5) were among those dismissed as Sri Lanka fought back. A late cameo from Gunalan Kamalini (15 not out off 5 balls) helped India reach 183/5 in 20 overs.
India are seeking revenge after losing the 2024 final to Sri Lanka. The match is being played as a night fixture, with Sri Lanka set to chase the challenging total. Fans can follow the live action on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV in India.
