India Women Defeat Sri Lanka to Clinch Eighth Asia Cup

Dubai: (Sports Desk) – India Women defeated defending champions Sri Lanka by a commanding margin to lift their eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.

After winning the toss in the final, India opted to bat first and posted a formidable 183 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

India got off to a flying start as Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana put together a superb 129-run opening stand. Shafali struck 68 runs, while Mandhana scored 59. Richa Ghosh added 17 runs and captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 14.

For Sri Lanka, Muthali Ayodhya, Chamari Athapaththu and Chamodya Prabodha claimed one wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka struggled throughout their chase of 184 and were eventually bowled out for 111 on the final delivery of the 20th over. Captain Chamari Athapaththu was their leading scorer with 36 runs, while Nilakshi de Silva made 22.

India’s bowling attack was led by Shree Charani, who finished with four wickets, while Deepti Sharma picked up three wickets.

India Reportedly Decline Trophy Presentation by Mohsin Naqvi

Meanwhile, reports said the Indian women’s team did not receive the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi during the closing ceremony.

Naqvi and other officials were present on the stage for the trophy presentation. However, the Indian players reportedly remained in their dressing room and did not return to collect the trophy.

Earlier, the Indian men’s team had also reportedly declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.