• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. India clinched a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title against Sri Lanka.
  2. Shafali Verma smashed the tournament’s fastest-ever fifty, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls.
  3. Shafali and Smriti Mandhana added a record 129-run opening partnership in the final.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma produced a sensational batting display as India Women clinched a record-breaking eighth Women's Asia Cup title, defeating defending champions Sri Lanka in the final.

India posted 183 for five after being asked to bat first before their bowlers completed the job and sealed a convincing victory.

Shafali claimed the leading run-scorer's position with an incredible 68 runs, with her vice-captain Mandhana scoring 59, as the opening pair accumulated a score of 129 runs in a span of 12.5 overs.

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The two players impressed with their performance in the initial overs, giving India a solid start before Sri Lanka made a comeback in the last stages of the innings.

Shafali Verma Creates History

From the start, it was evident what Shafali was in the mood to score as she went after the Sri Lankan bowlers with aggressive shots. Her first over was directed at the captain, Chamari Athapaththu, and included two sixes and a four.

India scored 57 runs in the Powerplay without the loss of a wicket and made it to 98 runs without being dismissed at the midway mark of the innings. Shafali reached her fifty in just 24 balls in this explosive opening phase of play before being dismissed for 68.

Mandhana Complements Shafali

Mandhana initially played the supporting role before shifting gears once Shafali reached her half-century. The India vice-captain brought up her 36th T20I fifty in 35 balls and finished with 59.

She struck sixes against Nilakshi Silva and Chamudi Praboda before producing a trademark inside-out cover drive off Athapaththu for four.

India Clinch Eighth Asia Cup Title

At the end of the 15 overs, India had a score of 140 runs for 2 wickets, but after that they lost their way, making only 43 runs in the last 5 overs and finishing their innings at 183-5. Richa Ghosh gave a contribution of 17 runs from 13 balls.

However, India's score turned out to be too much for the champion team. Deeti Sharma gave the final blow when she bowled Kaushani Nuthyangana for 9, and thus India earned its eighth title in the Asia Cup.

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Harmanpreet Kaur Hails Team Performance

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team's ability to maintain the standards they had set before the tournament.

“We feel this way because we know how much potential we have, and we have a great team. I think we played to our standards because that's what we discussed when we came here: we have certain standards, and we have to, you know, keep matching them every day. And we are very happy with the way we all performed,” Harmanpreet said.


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