India triumph in women's Asia Cup, thrash Sri Lanka to claim record eighth title

Dubai: India defeated defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women's Asia Cup final to clinch a record eighth title here on Sunday. With a record eighth title in hand, the final marked sweet redemption for India against the opponents who denied them the title in the previous final.

On the back of sensational half centuries from Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, India capitalised on a great start and took charge of the game early in the innings. Shafali blasted nine fours and two sixes during her 39-ball 68-run knock, while Smriti Mandhana made a 39-ball 59 laced with five fours and three sixes as the two openers shared a 129-run stand in 12.5 overs to lay a solid foundation for the seven-time winners who opted to bat after winning the toss. The young Gunalan Kamalini exploded with a cameo of 15 off 5 balls to take India to a glazing total of 183 for 5.

In reply, Sri Lanka could only manage 111, getting all out in 20 overs, with Chamari Athapaththu (36) and Nilakshika Silva (22) being the only batters to put up a fight. Deepti Sharma (2/15) and Shree Charani (4/20) led the attack and took the game away from Sri Lanka with their impressive spells.

Brief Score:
India: 183/5 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 68, Smriti Mandhana 59; Chamudi Praboda 1/40).

Sri Lanka: 111 allout in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 36; Shree Charani 4/20).