India delivered a commanding performance to claim the women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka by a massive 147 runs in the final held at Nisshin. This victory secured India’s second consecutive title in the event, following their previous triumph in 2023.
Choosing to bat first, openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the tone with a blistering 99 run partnership. Mandhana was particularly ruthless, smashing four sixes and reaching her half century in just 30 balls before eventually departing for 79 off 45 deliveries. Shafali contributed a quickfire 48 before being dismissed. Richa Ghosh then took over in the closing stages, blasting an unbeaten 49 off just 22 balls, propelling India to a record breaking total of 216 for 3, the highest ever innings score in the tournament’s history.
Chasing an imposing target, Sri Lanka never found their footing. Only Chamari Athapaththu offered any real fight, scoring 29 off 21 balls, but the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure from India’s spin attack. The islanders were bowled out for a mere 69 runs, repeating their heartbreak from ten days earlier when they also lost the Asia Cup final to India.
Shafali Verma turned out to be a surprise weapon with the ball, picking up crucial early wickets as part time spin option. Deepti Sharma was the standout bowler, returning brilliant figures of 3 for 6, while Shafali, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil each grabbed two wickets to complete the rout.
With bat, ball and fielding all clicking, India’s all round excellence ensured a comfortable and emphatic march to the gold medal.
