India delivered a masterclass in T20 cricket to lift the DP World Women's T20 Asia Cup on Sunday 13th September 2026, overwhelming Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at Dubai International Stadium. Harmanpreet Kaur's side batted first after winning the toss, racked up 183-5 from their 20 overs, and then bowled Sri Lanka out for just 111 in reply. It was a commanding, complete performance — and one that will make any bookmaker recalibrate their outright odds ahead of future ICC women's events.
India Build a Commanding Total
The Indian innings was built on some outstanding top-order hitting. Shafali Verma led the way with a blistering 68 off just 39 balls, striking at 174.36 with nine fours and two sixes, before being caught by Athapaththu off the bowling of Praboda. Smriti Mandhana complemented her opening partner beautifully, making 59 from 39 deliveries at a strike rate of 151.28 before being run out by Dilhari at 132-2 in the 13th over. Those two put on a platform the rest of the side built upon with real authority.
Richa Ghosh chipped in with a brisk 17, and despite a brief flurry of wickets in the back end of the innings — Kaur, Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all departing inside three overs — Gunalan Kamalini smashed an unbeaten 15 off just five balls to push the total to a formidable 183. For Sri Lanka's bowlers, Ayodhya and Dasanayaka were the most economical, but even they went at over eight runs per over. The required rate was always going to be a steep ask.
India's Bowlers Dismantle Sri Lanka's Batting
Sri Lanka's chase fell apart almost immediately. Imesha Dulani was bowled by Kranti Gaud for just 4 in the fourth delivery of the innings, and although captain Chamari Athapaththu showed intent — contributing 36 off 32 balls before being stumped off Deepti Sharma — Sri Lanka never truly threatened. Vishmi Gunaratne held things together for a period with 20 from 22 balls, but her dismissal by Sharma in the ninth over left the visitors at 63-3 and effectively settled the contest.
The outstanding bowling performance came from Sree Charani, who finished with four wickets for 20 runs from her four overs — a match-winning spell that ripped through the Sri Lankan middle and lower order. Deepti Sharma was equally impressive, taking three wickets for 19 from her four overs at an economy of 4.75. Prema Rawat and Gaud chipped in with a wicket apiece. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out on the final ball of the 20th over, with Praboda the last batter to remain unbeaten on a duck.
The Bigger Picture
From a tactical standpoint, India's decision to bat first was vindicated entirely. Kaur read the conditions well, and her squad executed the game plan with minimal error — just two wides conceded in the batting innings and a tight, disciplined bowling display throughout. Sri Lanka's Athapaththu will be disappointed her side couldn't mount a more competitive chase, particularly given she is one of the finest T20 players in Asia. This result will almost certainly shorten India's odds as favourites for future women's global tournaments.
India's 72-run victory was no fluke — it was the product of superior batting depth, clinical bowling and sharp fielding. As a former coach, I've rarely seen a final settled so convincingly. This is a team hitting peak form at exactly the right time, and they'll be ones to watch wherever the women's game goes next.
