Dubai: India will take on defending champions Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s side aiming to secure a record-extending eighth continental title.
Both teams have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, setting up a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 final, when Sri Lanka defeated India by eight wickets to claim their maiden Asia Cup championship.
India Enter Final in Strong Form
India have been one of the tournament’s strongest sides, winning all four of their matches on the way to the final. They topped their group with three victories before defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the semifinal.
The Indian batting has been led by Shafali Verma, who has scored 168 runs and currently tops the tournament’s run charts. Smriti Mandhana has also contributed 154 runs, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provide experience in the middle order.
Deepti Sharma Key to India’s Bowling Attack
All-rounder Deepti Sharma has been among India’s most influential players. She has taken 11 wickets in the tournament and shares the top spot in the wicket-taking charts with Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu.
India’s spin attack could again prove crucial on Dubai’s slower surface, with Deepti supported by Shree Charani and Prema Rawat.
Sri Lanka Carry Confidence From Pakistan Win
Sri Lanka secured their place in the final after producing a determined four-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semifinal.
Chasing 131, Sri Lanka were in serious trouble at 33 for four before Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari steadied the innings with a 67-run partnership. After Pakistan struck again late in the innings, Nilakshika Silva and Kaushini Nuthyangana completed the chase with eight balls remaining.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu remains one of Sri Lanka’s biggest threats with both bat and ball, while Harshitha has once again shown her ability to perform in important matches.
India Wary of Another Final Upset
Despite entering the final as favourites, India will be conscious of Sri Lanka’s record in the previous edition.
In the 2024 final, Sri Lanka chased down India’s target with an eight-wicket victory, with Athapaththu and Harshitha playing decisive roles. Several players from that encounter are expected to feature again, adding another layer to Sunday’s contest.
India have also identified areas that need improvement. Their fielding has been inconsistent during the tournament, with several catches going down, including multiple chances in the semifinal against Bangladesh.
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A Battle Between Two Unbeaten Teams
With both sides entering the final without a defeat, the contest is expected to be closely fought. India will be looking to reclaim the title and add an eighth Asia Cup trophy to their record, while Sri Lanka will attempt to defend the championship they won for the first time two years ago.
The final therefore offers India an opportunity for redemption and Sri Lanka a chance to establish themselves as the new force in women’s Asian cricket.
