Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana delivered fine half-centuries to kick off for India in the final of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, after which the local hosts picked up their game in quick succession.
Harmanpreet Kaur captained India and opted for bat in first half to strike back at Sri Lanka when the team suffers the worst defeat in Asia Cup final in 2024. The defending champions, however, are looking to hold on to their continental title with captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Shafali provided India with an explosive start, reaching her half-century in just 24 balls. Smriti Mandhana also continued her excellent form, bringing up her fifty from 35 deliveries.
India had 130/1 after 13 overs, with Mandhana and Harmanpreet at the crease. Mandhana was also in pursuit of a big individual milestone, to become the highest run-scorer in women’s T20I history.
Sri Lanka, however, soon turned things around. Mandhana was buzzed out on an unfortunate Harmanpreet mix-up.
The superb performance was cut short when Mandhana was leaders against a precious 59, off 39 balls. Her replacement was made soon after Shafali’s departure and Sri Lanka’s first two wickets fell quickly.
India are aiming for a record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, Sri Lanka are looking to both win and retain the world title after defeating India in the last game of the previous tournament.
India will now be in search of a fresh start with the game hanging in a balance, and will give Sri Lanka a tough game to call off in the last phase of the summit.