Indian Women's Cricket Team Dominates Asian Games, Secures Gold Against Sri Lanka

India's Triumph at the Asian Games

Nisshin (Japan): The Indian women's cricket team showcased their prowess by winning a second consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games, decisively defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final held on Tuesday.

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, this victory marked India's first gold in the current edition of the Games, achieved through an impressive batting display that set Sri Lanka a daunting target of 217 runs.

Smriti Mandhana delivered a stellar performance, scoring 79 runs off 45 balls, while Richa Ghosh contributed significantly with a blistering 48 runs off just 22 balls, propelling India to a record total of 216 for three, the highest ever in Asian Games history.

With such a formidable score, the outcome was almost certain.

Sri Lanka's hopes rested on their captain Chamari Athapaththu, who managed 29 runs off 21 balls, but the team ultimately collapsed, bowled out for 69 runs in just 15.4 overs as Indian spinners dominated the match.

Shafali Verma also shone with both bat and ball, scoring 48 runs and taking 2 wickets, while Deepti Sharma claimed 3 wickets for just 6 runs, contributing to a final that lacked competition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Indian women's cricket team for their gold medal achievement at the Asian Games, emphasizing that this victory marks India's first gold in this tournament.

In a post on X, he stated, "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."

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… pic.twitter.com/oZI9Uoyp6I

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 22, 2026

The Prime Minister remarked that this victory not only brings pride to the nation but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across India. He wished the entire team the best for their future endeavors.

Similar to the Asia Cup earlier this month, Sri Lanka found themselves outmatched in the final against their long-time rivals.

Pakistan secured the bronze medal with a comfortable 31-run victory over Bangladesh earlier in the day.

With the women's team successfully defending their title, expectations are high for the men's team to follow suit.

After winning the toss, India capitalized on the powerplay, with Mandhana and Shafali putting on a solid opening partnership of 99 runs off 60 balls, reaching 59 runs without loss in just six overs.

Both openers have been in excellent form since the Asia Cup, significantly contributing to the team's success in this crucial final.

Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian openers, who took full advantage of the situation.

Mandhana was particularly aggressive, hitting back-to-back sixes off left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari and later adding another six off Mithali Ayodhya.

Sri Lanka's captain Athapaththu attempted to bowl but ended up conceding 19 runs in one over, including three sixes.

Mandhana's innings included seven sixes, showcasing her dominance.

Shafali, on the verge of another fifty, was caught attempting a reverse sweep, while Harmanpreet Kaur faced challenges at number three, getting out after scoring 19 runs.

Mandhana was on track for a century but was caught in the deep while trying to hit another six.

Richa Ghosh's late innings contribution of 49 not out off 22 balls, featuring three sixes and seven fours, helped push India past the 200-run mark.