India women's team defeated Sri Lanka in the final of the cricket event in Japan Asian Games 2026.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Indian women’s team after they gave India its first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games when they emerged victorious against Sri Lanka in the gold medal match played on 22nd September 2026.
It is worth noting that the last gold medal for India in cricket was won by the Indian women's team in the 2023 Asian Games played in China.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and chose to bat first. Shafali Verma made 48 in 29 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes; she also added 99 runs for the first wicket in 10 overs. Smriti Mandhana then made 79 runs in 45 balls with 5 fours and 7 sixes to her name.
While Harmanpreet only managed 19 runs in 17 balls, Richa Ghosh gave the right impetus to the Indian innings in the death, scoring 49* in 22 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes as India women posted 216/3 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s response depended on skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s innings, but she only managed 29 runs. Sri Lanka batters tried to keep up with the rising required net run rate and, in the end, were bundled out for 69 runs. For India, Deepti Sharma took 3/6, while Shafali Verma, Shreyanka Patil, and Shree Charani picked two wickets each.
The Indian Prime Minister’s office shared a message from PM Narendra Modi praising the Indian women’s cricket team for winning the gold medal for the second time in a row.
“A splendid triumph for Indian cricket! Heartiest congratulations to our Women’s Cricket Team on winning the gold medal at the Asian Games. It was a commanding performance at the Games, marked by confidence, skill, and wonderful teamwork. This victory also brings India its first gold of this edition of the Games. The team has made the nation proud and will inspire countless young cricketers across the country. Best wishes to the entire squad: PM Narendra Modi,” the post on X read.