India will face Sri Lanka in the women’s cricket gold medal match at the 2026 Asian Games after producing a dominant 114-run victory over Bangladesh in their semi-final in Nisshin, Japan.
The defending champions delivered an impressive all round performance, scoring 195 for four from their 20 overs before dismissing Bangladesh for just 81 in 15.4 overs. The result secured India’s place in the final, where they will meet a confident Sri Lankan side that defeated Pakistan in the other semi final.
The star of India’s victory was Shafali Verma, who produced a spectacular unbeaten century.
India won the toss and elected to bat, with Shafali and Smriti Mandhana immediately putting Bangladesh’s bowlers under pressure. The opening pair powered India to 72 for one inside the six over powerplay.
Mandhana struck 37 from only 19 balls before being dismissed by Nahida Akter, but Shafali continued attacking.
After G Kamalini departed, Shafali combined with captain Harmanpreet Kaur for a crucial 94-run partnership from 55 deliveries. Harmanpreet contributed 40 from 33 balls, while Shafali reached another level as the innings progressed.
The explosive opener completed her maiden T20 international century from only 49 balls, finishing unbeaten on 100. Her innings included three fours and nine sixes and provided the foundation for India’s imposing 195-run total.
Bangladesh never seriously threatened the target.
Nandani Sharma provided India with an early breakthrough by dismissing Juairiya Ferdous before Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani added further wickets. Bangladesh were already struggling at 39 for three by the end of the powerplay.
Dilara Akter offered some resistance with 27 from 23 deliveries, but wickets continued to fall regularly.
Nandani Sharma finished with three for 25, while Deepti Sharma produced excellent figures of three for seven. Sree Charani claimed two wickets as Bangladesh were bowled out for 81, completing a commanding semi final victory for India.
While India progressed comfortably, Sri Lanka booked their place in the final with an impressive chase against Pakistan.
Pakistan recovered from losing an early wicket to post 177 for four, with Shawaal Zulfiqar scoring 54 and Ayesha Zafar producing an aggressive 71 from 40 deliveries.
Sri Lanka responded brilliantly.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with an unbeaten 83 from 50 balls, while Imesha Dulani contributed 27 and Hasini Perera struck 42 from just 26 deliveries.
Sri Lanka reached 178 for two with 13 balls remaining, equalling their highest total in a successful women’s T20 international chase and securing their place in the gold medal match.
The result sets up another major meeting between two of Asia’s strongest women’s cricket teams.
India enter the final as defending Asian Games champions, having won gold when cricket was last included at the Games. Sri Lanka, however, arrive with considerable momentum and will be encouraged by the form of Athapaththu and their successful chase against Pakistan.
The two teams also know each other extremely well. India and Sri Lanka have faced each other regularly in major Asian competitions, making the gold medal encounter another chapter in a growing rivalry.
Sri Lanka will also be chasing a major achievement despite entering the tournament without key middle order batter Nilakshika Silva, who was ruled out of the Asian Games with a fractured finger.
For India, Shafali’s form will be one of the biggest threats Sri Lanka must contain. Her century against Bangladesh demonstrated how quickly she can change a match, while Mandhana and Harmanpreet give India further experience and power at the top of the order.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will once again look towards Athapaththu to provide leadership and attacking intent. Her unbeaten 83 against Pakistan showed why she remains one of the most dangerous batters in women’s cricket.
The India-Sri Lanka gold-medal match is scheduled for September 22, while Bangladesh and Pakistan will meet in the bronze medal playoff on the same day.
After convincing semi final victories, both finalists will enter the contest believing they can finish the tournament on top of the podium.
India are aiming to successfully defend their Asian Games title, while Sri Lanka now have the opportunity to turn an impressive tournament into a historic gold medal.
