India wins record eighth Women's Asia Cup title

India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the 2026 Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday, September 13, securing a record-extending eighth title at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The victory was built on a dominant all-round performance, with a record opening partnership setting the foundation and a disciplined bowling attack sealing the win. After captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat, openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma forged a 129-run partnership, the highest for any wicket in the history of the Women's Asia Cup. Verma was the aggressor, scoring 68 runs off 39 balls, including a 24-ball half-century that set the record for the fastest in the tournament's history. Mandhana contributed a steady 59 from 39 deliveries. India posted a total of 183 for 5 in their 20 overs. Chasing 184, Sri Lanka's innings was undermined by a disciplined Indian spin attack. Captain Chamari Athapaththu scored 36 runs, but her dismissal in the 10th over triggered a collapse. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani took 4 wickets for 20 runs, while off-spinner Deepti Sharma claimed 3 for 19. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 111 in 20 overs.