Shafali Verma and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana struck forceful fifties, while the bowlers under Sree Charani produced an equally intense effort as India crushed Sri Lanka by 72 runs to clinch a record-extending eighth women’s Asia Cup title on Sunday. Openers Shafali (68) and Mandhana (59) produced a symphony of power and grace during their stand of 129 in just 12.5 overs, guiding India to 183 for five in 20 overs. The Lankans managed to rein in the opposition’s middle-order in the business end of the innings, but they were no match for the guile of Indian bowlers — led ably by left-arm spinner Charani (4/20) — ending up at 111 all out in 20 overs.
At 63 for three after 10 overs, with the asking rate soaring over 12, the match was as good as over for the defending champions, and all these despite India shelling five catches. Earlier, after electing to bat, Mandhana, who hit her 36th T20I fifty, and Shafali, whose 24-ball fifty was the fastest in women’s Asia Cup, shut the Lankans out of the match. In fact, Shafali eclipsed the 25-ball fifty Mandhana made in the tournament’s 2022 edition.
It was the third time Mandhana fell victim to run out in this tournament.
