The Indian women's cricket team produced a commanding display to defeat Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final of the Asian Games 2026, securing India's first gold medal of the competition. By sealing this lopsided triumph, the squad successfully retained their Asian Games title, winning the gold medal for the second consecutive edition. The emphatic performance drew wide acclaim from union ministers and parliamentarians across the country.
Top-Order Fireworks Set Up a Monumental Total
Having won the toss, the Indian women's team opted to bat first and immediately took control of the contest. The top order dictated terms from the opening overs, led by Shafali Verma, who struck an attacking 48 runs off just 29 deliveries with 3 fours and 3 sixes. Smriti Mandhana then dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack, scoring 79 runs from 45 balls in an innings punctuated by 5 boundaries and 7 sixes.
The momentum continued into the closing stages through wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who unleashed a rapid assault in the final overs. Ghosh smashed an unbeaten 49 off only 22 balls, featuring 6 fours and 3 sixes. Powered by these aggressive contributions, India concluded their 20 overs at a towering 216 for 3, leaving Sri Lanka with an imposing target of 217 runs for victory.
Bowling Attack Bundles Out Sri Lanka for 69
Sri Lanka's chase unraveled quickly against disciplined and incisive Indian bowling, with the side collapsing to 69 all out in 15.4 overs. Captain Chamari Athapaththu offered the only sustained resistance, top-scoring for her side with 29 runs. Wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana contributed 14 runs and Kavisha Dilhari added 11 runs, while the rest of the batting order failed to reach double figures.
India's bowlers applied continuous pressure throughout the innings. Deepti Sharma led the bowling figures with 3 wickets, while Shafali Verma, Shreyanka Patil, and Sri Charani claimed 2 wickets apiece to complete the rout and wrap up the championship.
Praise Pours In From Ministers and Officials
Following the triumph, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted a congratulatory message on X. Rajnath Singh stated, "Proud of our Indian Women's Cricket Team for winning the first Gold Medal at the Asian Games 2026 with a fantastic game of cricket and a brilliant result." He commended their skill, teamwork, and creation of new tournament history.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared video footage of the squad celebrating with the national tricolour on X. Mansukh Mandaviya stated, "Heartiest congratulations to our champions on clinching the gold medal in the Women's T20 cricket final." He called the outcome a proud moment for the entire country.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju posted video clips of the win on X, describing the victory as a golden roar from India and congratulating the champions. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also lauded the performance, noting that the team's skill, patience, and spirit made the nation proud. BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan commented on X that the 147-run triumph and title defence highlighted the squad's talent, determination, and fighting character.
