India's Stellar Batting Performance Falls Short in Women's T20I Asia Cup Final

In a thrilling Women's T20I Asia Cup final, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana delivered impressive performances, scoring 68 and 59 runs respectively. Despite their strong start, India finished at 183 for five, falling short against Sri Lanka. The match showcased Shafali's record-breaking fifty and Mandhana's elegant batting, but a late collapse in the innings allowed Sri Lanka to take control. Discover how the match unfolded and the key moments that defined this exciting final.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 13, 2026, 22:56 IST

India's Batting Highlights in the Final

In the Women's T20I Asia Cup final held on Sunday, Shafali Verma scored an impressive 68 runs, while Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana contributed 59 runs, showcasing a blend of power and finesse. Despite their efforts, India concluded their innings at 183 for five against Sri Lanka.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Mandhana achieved her 36^th T20I fifty, and Shafali recorded the fastest fifty in women's Asia Cup history, reaching her half-century in just 24 balls.

The 22-year-old Shafali made her intentions clear early on, forming a formidable partnership of 129 runs with Mandhana over 12.5 overs, demonstrating aggressive batting.

Shafali targeted Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu right from her first over, hitting her for two sixes and a four, helping India to a strong start with 57 runs in the Power Play and 98 runs at the halfway mark without losing a wicket.

Initially, Mandhana played a supportive role, scoring 23 runs off 22 balls. However, once Shafali reached her fifty, Mandhana accelerated her scoring, hitting a six off Nilakshi Silva and another maximum off Chamudi Praboda, showcasing her batting prowess.

Mandhana's signature shot was a stunning inside-out cover drive off Athapaththu, bringing her fifty in just 35 balls. Unfortunately, the partnership ended when Shafali was caught by Athapaththu off Praboda's bowling.

As is often the case, the loss of one wicket led to another, with Mandhana run out after a mix-up with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, marking her third run-out in this tournament.

At 140 for two after 15 overs, India aimed to build on their momentum, but the Sri Lankan bowlers tightened their lines, limiting India to just 43 runs in the final five overs. Richa Ghosh, who was starting to find her rhythm with 17 runs off 13 balls, was dismissed at a crucial moment.

Despite the late innings struggles, India's strong start from Mandhana and Shafali ensured they came close to a total of 200 runs.