Asian Games 2026: India face Sri Lanka in women’s cricket final, eye second straight gold

India will look to extend their dominance in continental women’s cricket when Harmanpreet Kaur’s side takes on Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket final on Tuesday.

India enter the summit clash after commanding wins over Japan and Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka secured their place in the final with a challenging chase against Pakistan, powered by captain Chamari Athapaththu’s sublime 50-ball 82.

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A victory would strengthen India’s grip on the region after they defeated Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final earlier this month. Sri Lanka have beaten India in the past, but India have widened the gap in recent years and will start the final with a strong squad across batting, spin and pace.

India’s spin attack holds key

India’s openers, particularly Shafali Verma, have been in devastating touch in the tournament, while the team management has continued to experiment with the No. 3 position.

Gunalan Kamalini batted at No. 3 in the semifinal against Bangladesh, while Bharti Fulmali was tried in the same position against Japan. Kamalini, who is yet to make a significant impact in the tournament, had opened alongside Shafali in the quarterfinal.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will also be looking to rediscover her best form. She was far from her fluent best in the Asia Cup, and India will hope for a stronger contribution from their skipper in the final.

The bowling attack has been led by the spinners, with the trend expected to continue given the results of India’s first two games. Deepti Sharma has been in top form and has received strong support from Shree Charani. Nandani Sharma has stood out among the pacers.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need another standout performance from Athapaththu and greater contributions across the batting order if they are to challenge India.

Both India’s men’s and women’s teams are aiming to retain the Asian Games cricket gold, with the women’s final providing the first opportunity to add another title to India’s campaign.

Match starts: 10:30 am IST

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Squads

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (w), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav.

Sri Lanka: Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushani Nuthyangana (w), Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nimasha Meepage, Sanjana Kavindi, Anushka Sanjeewani.