Published on: Sep 22, 2026 4:52 pm IST|Updated on: Sep 22, 2026 4:52 pm IST
The Indian women’s cricket team successfully defended their gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, by defeating Sri Lanka Women in a one-sided final by a mammoth margin of 147 runs. Playing at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, the Women in Blue ensured India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
After Harmanpreet won the toss and elected to bat first, India’s opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma got the Women in Blue off to a flying start. The duo forged a 99-run partnership off just 60 deliveries, completely dismantling Sri Lanka’s powerplay bowling plans.
Mandhana was in sublime touch, smashing 79 off 45 balls, including five sixes, while Shafali contributed a brisk 48 off 29 balls. Following their dismissals, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided the brutal finishing touches in the death overs, blasting an unbeaten 49* off just 22 balls. Her assault propelled India to a mammoth 216/3 in 20 overs, the highest total in Asian Games cricket history.
Sri Lanka was never in the chase for a daunting total of 217 runs. Their response crumbled under heavy pressure. Aside from captain Chamari Athapaththu (29 off 21 balls), no Sri Lankan batter managed to establish a foothold against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Off-spinner Deepti Sharma led the bowling attack with figures of 3/6, while Shafali Verma completed an all-round display by taking 2/3. Support from Shreyanka Patil (2 wickets) and Shree Charani (2 wickets) saw Sri Lanka bundled out for just 69 runs in 15.4 overs.
Reflecting on the gold medal triumph, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur noted:
“The gold medal means a lot to us, and we spoke about the importance of maintaining our standards throughout the tournament. Everyone who got an opportunity came up with a solid performance, which makes me very happy as a captain.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the opportunity to congratulate the Indian women’s cricket team on their historic triumph at the 2026 Asian Games. Sharing a post on his official X handle, the Indian prime minister quoted,
“A splendid triumph for Indian cricket! Heartiest congratulations to our Women’s Cricket Team on winning the Gold medal at the Asian Games. It was a commanding performance at the Games, marked by confidence, skill and wonderful teamwork. This victory also brings India its first Gold of this edition of the Games. The team has made the nation proud and will inspire countless young cricketers across the country. Best wishes to the entire squad.”
After defending their gold medal at the Asian Games, the Indian eves will now be seen in action in October when they host Zimbabwe women for a 3-match T20I and 3-match ODI series starting on October 16. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur will host the T20Is, whereas the ODIs will be hosted at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara.