India’s women’s cricket team created history on Sunday, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final in Dubai to lift the Women’s T20 Asia Cup for a record eighth time.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and capped its campaign with a commanding all-round performance. India posted 183/5 after being put into bat, before bowling Sri Lanka out for 111.
Mandhana, Shafali Lead India’s Batting Charge
India got off to a strong start, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 59 and Shafali Verma producing an attacking 68. The pair’s contributions gave India a strong platform and helped the team set Sri Lanka a challenging target.
India’s bowlers then took control of the chase. Shree Charani was the standout performer with four wickets for 20 runs as Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships and were eventually dismissed for 111.
The victory added another chapter to India’s dominance in the women’s Asia Cup, with the team now having won the tournament eight times.
President Murmu Congratulates Team India
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the Indian team following its historic triumph, praising the players for their consistency and team effort.
She described the victory as a proud moment for the country and said the players’ achievement would inspire young people, particularly girls, across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the team, praising its confidence, consistency and fighting spirit.
Trophy Presentation Becomes Talking Point
The celebrations, however, were followed by a fresh controversy surrounding the trophy presentation.
Reports said the Indian team did not participate in the traditional trophy presentation involving Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman. The development comes against the backdrop of continuing tensions between India and Pakistan.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later said the decision was deliberate and had been communicated to the ACC beforehand. Head coach Amol Muzumdar also backed the BCCI’s position, saying the team stood united behind the decision.
The episode echoes a similar controversy involving the Indian men’s team during the 2025 Asia Cup, when India also declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi. For India’s women, however, the focus ultimately remained on the achievement on the field, an eighth Asia Cup crown and another landmark moment for Indian cricket.