Shafali Verma’s explosive 68 helped India defeat Sri Lanka by 72 runs and secure a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
Shafali Verma produced another outstanding performance as India completed a dominant campaign by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai. Her aggressive batting at the top of the order played a major role in India’s commanding victory, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team for maintaining high standards throughout the tournament.
India were asked to bat first and immediately took control through the opening partnership of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The pair attacked the Sri Lankan bowling from the beginning, putting pressure on the fielding side during the Powerplay and establishing the foundation for a huge total.
Shafali was particularly aggressive, scoring 68 runs from just 39 deliveries. Her innings included powerful boundaries and showcased the fearless approach that has become a major part of her batting style. She also reached her half-century from only 24 balls, giving India tremendous momentum in the opening stages of the final.
Mandhana provided the perfect partner at the other end, contributing 59 from 39 balls. Together, the two openers added 129 runs, allowing India to build a strong platform before Sri Lanka managed to make breakthroughs. India eventually finished their innings on 183 for five.
Sri Lanka needed an excellent start in the chase but struggled to match India’s intensity. The Indian bowling attack kept taking wickets at crucial moments, with Shree Charani emerging as one of the major stars of the final. The spinner finished with impressive figures of four wickets for 20 runs.
Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 111, giving India a comprehensive 72-run victory and another major continental title. The result confirmed India’s continued dominance in the Women’s Asia Cup, with the team extending its record to eight championships.
For Shafali, the final was another reminder of her ability to influence major matches. Her explosive opening stand with Mandhana gave India control from the beginning, while the bowlers completed the job in convincing fashion. India’s captain and team management will take plenty of confidence from a campaign in which Shafali once again showed why she remains one of the most dangerous attacking batters in women’s cricket.
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