India Women won the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The victory gave India a record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title after a strong tournament campaign. Shafali Verma scored 68 and Smriti Mandhana made 59 as India posted 183/5. Sri Lanka were then bowled out for 111, with Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma leading India’s bowling effort. After the win, the Indian team declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi.Why Did India Refuse Trophy?The trophy presentation became the main talking point after India’s title-winning performance. Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s cricket chief and interior minister, was present for the presentation ceremony. India’s decision came against the background of continuing India-Pakistan tensions and followed a similar trophy presentation episode involving the Indian men’s team at the 2025 Asia Cup. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later said the women’s team’s decision represented solidarity with the men’s team.India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final.The victory secured India’s eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.Shafali Verma scored 68 runs from 39 balls.Smriti Mandhana contributed 59 runs from 39 balls.India declined to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.India Dominates The FinalIndia produced a powerful batting display after choosing to bat first. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana built a 129-run opening partnership, putting Sri Lanka under pressure from the beginning. Shafali reached her half-century from only 24 balls, which was reported as the fastest fifty in Women’s Asia Cup history. India eventually finished on 183/5 from their 20 overs.Sri Lanka struggled during the chase and could not build the partnerships required to stay in the contest. India’s bowlers kept taking wickets and restricted the defending champions to 111 all out. Shree Charani claimed four wickets, while Deepti Sharma also made an important contribution with the ball as India completed a convincing final victory.Also Read: Nasser Hussain Slams Pakistan Selection After Saim Ayub Struggles Against EnglandTrophy Moment Draws AttentionThe match itself was dominated by India’s performance, but the post-match ceremony quickly became another major story. The Indian team declined to take the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi, repeating a stance seen after the men’s Asia Cup final in 2025. Saikia said the decision was linked to the broader position taken by Indian cricket authorities rather than being a personal matter.The development also brought India-Pakistan tensions into focus during an otherwise historic sporting achievement. The Women’s Asia Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates, with the final taking place in Dubai. India had already beaten Pakistan by seven wickets during the group stage before going on to defeat Bangladesh in the semi-final and Sri Lanka in the final.Key HighlightsIndia won the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs.India secured its record eighth title in the continental tournament.Shafali Verma smashed 68 runs, including a 24-ball fifty.Smriti Mandhana scored 59 and shared a 129-run opening stand with Shafali.Shree Charani took four wickets as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 111.India declined to receive the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi.India Celebrates Eighth Asia CupIndia’s eighth Women’s Asia Cup title underlines the team’s strong record in the continental competition. The 72-run victory over Sri Lanka was built on aggressive opening batting and disciplined bowling in the second innings. However, the trophy presentation added a separate political dimension because of the ongoing tensions involving India and Pakistan. India’s victory and the refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi will remain two connected parts of the tournament’s final-day story.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge purposes and to provide news information based on verified reports and available reliable sources.
