New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): India successfully defended their women’s cricket title at the Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in a one-sided final on Tuesday to claim their second consecutive gold medal in the event.
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a massive 216/3, setting Sri Lanka a target of 217. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a blistering 79 off 45 deliveries, while Richa Ghosh provided a late burst with an unbeaten 49 off just 22 balls.
The Indian innings got off to a flying start as Mandhana and Shafali Verma added 99 runs for the opening wicket. Shafali contributed 48 from 29 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, while Mandhana dominated the Sri Lankan attack with seven sixes and five boundaries.
India reached 59 without loss during the six-over powerplay, with the opening pair taking full advantage of Sri Lanka’s inconsistent bowling.
Shafali fell just short of a half-century after mistiming a reverse sweep, bringing captain Harmanpreet Kaur to the crease. Harmanpreet made 19 from 17 balls before being caught at long-off.
Mandhana continued to push for a century but was eventually dismissed for 79 while attempting another big shot.
Richa then took control during the final overs. Her unbeaten 49, which included seven fours and three sixes, powered India beyond the 200-run mark and helped them finish with the highest total recorded in Asian Games women’s cricket.
Sri Lanka struggled throughout their chase and were eventually bowled out for just 69 in 15.4 overs.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 29 off 21 balls but found little support from the rest of the batting lineup.
India’s spin attack dismantled the Sri Lankan innings. Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets for six runs, while Shafali Verma picked up two wickets for three runs. Shree Charani also contributed with two wickets.
The victory gave India their first gold medal of the ongoing Asian Games and extended their dominance over Sri Lanka in recent women’s cricket finals.
Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet said the team had entered the tournament determined to remain unbeaten and maintain the standards it had set for itself.
“It’s so satisfying to see everyone approach every game with such a positive mindset,” the India captain said.
The result also continued India’s strong run after their success against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup earlier this month.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan secured the bronze medal after beating Bangladesh by 31 runs.
With the women’s team successfully retaining its Asian Games crown, attention will now turn to India’s men’s team as it looks to defend its title.
