Smriti Mandhana’s brilliant 79, Shafali Verma’s 48 and Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 49 powered India Women to a record 216/3 against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 gold medal match at Korogi Sports Park on Tuesday.
India posted the highest total in Women’s Asian Games history and the highest score in a Women’s T20 final after choosing to bat first in the gold medal clash.
Mandhana led India’s charge with a spectacular 79 off just 45 balls, smashing seven sixes and five fours. Her innings also saw her become the first player in women’s cricket to reach 11,000 international runs.
Shafali continued her impressive run after scoring her maiden white-ball century in the semifinal against Bangladesh. She struck 48 off 29 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes.
Richa Ghosh provided a sensational finish with an unbeaten 49 off 22 balls. Bharti Fulmali added seven runs from as many deliveries as India finished with a record 216/3.
India surpassed Hong Kong Women’s previous Asian Games record of 202/4, which they posted against Mongolia during the 2023 Hangzhou Games. India also broke the previous record for the highest score in a Women’s T20 final, surpassing Brazil Women’s 210 against Spain in a quadrangular series final in July.
Mandhana and Shafali Set the Platform
Mandhana and Shafali gave India a flying start, with Mandhana taking charge during the powerplay. The left-hander smashed four sixes in the first six overs, while Shafali cleared the ropes twice as India raced to 67/0.
The opening pair added 99 runs before Shafali attempted a reverse hit and gave a catch.
Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Mandhana and contributed 19 off 17 balls. Mandhana continued to attack before the Sri Lankan bowlers finally dismissed her in the 17th over, when she holed out to deep mid-wicket.
Harmanpreet departed earlier in the 15th over after the Sri Lankan side caught her at long-on.
Richa Delivers Explosive Finish
India promoted Richa to No. 4, and the move paid off immediately. The wicketkeeper-batter attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers and added crucial runs at the death.
Richa smashed 25 runs in the final over alone to take India to 216/3 and complete a record-breaking innings for the Women in Blue.
PT Usha Praises Gold Medal-Winning Team
Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha praised the Indian women’s cricket team after its gold medal triumph at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.
“I’m happy that the cricketers won the gold medal and we will get more gold medals, no doubt. I requested the Japan Asian Games organising committee coordination committee to add men’s and women’s cricket in the Games. I wanted to see the cricket, and I am happy that the players have won a gold medal, a proud moment,” Usha said.
President Murmu Congratulates Team India
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s cricket team after it won the gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. The victory marked India’s first gold medal of the ongoing Asian Games edition.
“My heartiest congratulations to all the members of Team India on winning Women’s T20 Asia Cup Championship 2026. They played superbly as a team throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. They have done the country proud. They are a source of great inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. I am sure, they will script many more inspiring chapters of success and excellence,” President Murmu’s official handle posted on X.
PM Modi Hails India’s Asian Games Triumph
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team following its gold medal victory.
“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 Modi posted on X.
Brief Scores: India score 216/3 (Smriti Mandhana 79 off 45 balls, Richa Ghosh 49* from 22 balls; Chamudi Praboda 1-34, Kavisha Dilhari 1-35) against Sri Lanka