Asian Games Final: India Women Set Sights on Gold, Face Sri Lanka in Title Clash

India Women will look to complete their Asian Games gold-medal defence when they take on Sri Lanka in Tuesday’s cricket final.

The contest brings together two unbeaten teams and adds another chapter to a rivalry that has produced several high-profile finals in recent years.

India have been dominant throughout the tournament. They began with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Japan before producing a commanding 114-run win against Bangladesh in the semi-final. Sri Lanka also entered the title clash without a defeat, beating Malaysia in their opener and then edging past Pakistan in a high-scoring semi-final.

Shafali Verma leads India’s charge

India’s campaign has been driven by an impressive combination of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.

Against Japan, Shree Charani claimed 4/10 as India dismissed the hosts for 57. Shafali Verma then finished the chase in spectacular fashion, hitting an unbeaten 40 from only 15 balls. She also contributed two wickets.

Shafali was even more destructive against Bangladesh. The opener became the first cricketer to score a century in Asian Games history, smashing an unbeaten 100 from 49 deliveries. Her innings included nine sixes and three fours.

Smriti Mandhana added 37 off 19 balls and Harmanpreet Kaur scored 40 off 33 as India reached 195/4. Bangladesh were subsequently bowled out for 81, with Nandani Sharma and Deepti Sharma taking three wickets each.

Shafali has accumulated 140 runs in two innings, while Charani has six wickets. Deepti has also taken four wickets and remains an important part of India’s bowling attack.

Athapaththu anchors Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have been equally impressive on their route to the final, with captain Chamari Athapaththu playing a central role.

Athapaththu scored 63 from 37 balls against Malaysia, helping Sri Lanka post 160/4 in their opening match. The all-rounder then returned with two wickets as Malaysia were restricted to 74/7.

The semi-final against Pakistan proved considerably more demanding. Pakistan posted 177/4, but Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target, reaching 178/2 in 17.5 overs.

Athapaththu remained unbeaten on 83 from 50 balls, while Hasini Perera struck 42 off 26. Their 95-run partnership ensured Sri Lanka secured their place in the gold-medal match.

Athapaththu has scored 146 runs in the tournament and taken six wickets. Hasini, Kavisha Dilhari and Harshitha Samarawickrama will provide additional batting support.

India-Sri Lanka finals rivalry

Tuesday’s final will be another meeting between the two sides with a major trophy at stake.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the 2023 Asian Games final in Hangzhou. Smriti Mandhana scored 46, Jemimah Rodrigues made 42 and Titas Sadhu took 3/6 as India defended 116.

Sri Lanka responded in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup final, chasing down India’s 165/6 to win their first title in the competition. Athapaththu scored 61, while Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 69.

India regained the Asia Cup crown in 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final. Shafali Verma scored 68 and Mandhana made 59 before India bowled Sri Lanka out for 111.

The Asian Games final now gives both teams another opportunity to add to that history. India are chasing a second consecutive Asian Games gold, while Sri Lanka will aim to turn their unbeaten campaign into a gold-medal finish.

India vs Sri Lanka Women’s Final: Key Details

Match: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Asian Games 2026 Final
Time: 10:30 AM IST (2 PM local time)
Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
Live streaming: Sony LIV

Head-to-Head

Matches: 32
India won: 26
Sri Lanka won: 5
No result: 1

Probable XIs

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud

Sri Lanka: Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari