Sri Lanka win first women's Asia Cup, beat India by eight wicket

Dambullah: Sri Lanka secured their first Women's Asia Cup title with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over India at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

After winning the toss, India chose to bat first and set a target of 165 for 6.

Smriti Mandhana was the backbone of the Indian innings, scoring a solid 60 off 47 balls, which included 10 fours. Richa Ghosh provided late fireworks with a brisk 30 off 14 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, helping India surpass the 150-run mark.

India got off to a strong start, reaching 44 without loss by the end of the powerplay. However, Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Kavisha Dilhari (2/36), made a strong comeback.

In their chase, Sri Lanka showed impressive skill and determination, with key contributions from Chamari Athapaththu, Harshita Samarawickrama, and Dilhari.

Athapaththu's 61 provided a solid foundation before her dismissal in the 12th over.

Harshita, who had earlier dropped two catches, made amends with a counter-attacking half-century. Her unbeaten 69 off 50 balls, including two sixes and six fours, combined with Dilhari’s quick 30 off 16 balls, led Sri Lanka to victory in the 19th over, to the delight of the enthusiastic Dambulla crowd.