India successfully defended the women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games with a commanding 147-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final, producing a clinical display with both bat and ball in Japan.
After electing to bat, India piled up 216/3 before bowling Sri Lanka out for just 69 in 15.4 overs to secure back-to-back Asian Games titles.
Mandhana, Shafali and Richa Lay the Foundation
India’s innings was built around another explosive opening partnership from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Shafali blasted 48 from 29 deliveries at a strike rate of 165.51 before Mandhana continued the charge with 79 off just 45 balls at a strike rate of 175.55.
The pair added 99 runs for the opening wicket, setting the platform for a massive total.
Richa Ghosh then provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 49 from only 22 balls at a strike rate of 222.72, lifting India to an imposing 216/3.
Spin Quartet Seals Another Gold
Sri Lanka never recovered during the chase as India’s spin attack completely dominated proceedings.
Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets, while Shreyanka Patil, N Sree Charani and Shafali Verma picked up two wickets each as all nine wickets to fall went to the spinners.
The disciplined bowling effort dismissed Sri Lanka for just 69, completing one of India’s most comprehensive victories in a major final.
Richa Delighted to Deliver in the Final
After the match, Richa Ghosh said she was especially pleased to contribute with the bat after working hard on her game.
“It feels really good when you win a gold medal for your country,” she said.
“It’s all about the mindset of our team. For me, I have been trying for a long time now to come up with a good contribution with the bat for my team. So with all the practice, finally it came on a stage like the final, so very happy.”
She explained that India’s batting group believed the surface was ideal for scoring and targeted a total beyond 200.
“Balls were coming on the bat nicely and hence, we set the target of scoring above 200,” she said.
“We wanted to give our bowlers some extra cushion, knowing that there are some aggressive batters in that Sri Lanka line-up.”
Asked about the celebrations, Richa said the team had not yet decided how they would mark the achievement but planned to celebrate together.
Shreyanka Enjoys Perfect Return from Injury
The tournament marked an emotional comeback for off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, who had missed India’s Women’s Asia Cup triumph earlier this year because of injury.
Returning to international cricket with a gold medal made the occasion even more special.
“My first gold medal and very happy, grateful to be a part of this victory,” she said.
“For me, personally, this tournament was a challenge because I am coming out of an injury. Playing cricket is something I love doing. So very happy to be back and playing for the team. Grateful. Japan is a pretty country. The wickets have been good ones and, as a spinner, I have loved bowling here.”
Shreyanka finished the tournament with four wickets, ending as the joint third-highest wicket-taker.
Deepti Looks Ahead to the Olympics
Experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who claimed seven wickets to finish as the tournament’s second-leading wicket-taker, highlighted the importance of winning India’s first gold medal of the 2026 Asian Games.
“Gold medal win means a lot to everyone of us. And this is the first gold medal for the country in this edition. So very happy with the victory,” Deepti said.
“Sri Lanka is a very strong team but our plan was to play cricket in a dominating way and that we have managed to do in both the Asia Cup and Asian Games.”
She also pointed to cricket’s inclusion at the 2028 Olympic Games as added motivation for the squad.
“In 2028, cricket is a part of Olympics as well and therefore, this medal will inspire and motivate us to do more well going forward, keeping the Olympics in our mind.”
Muzumdar Praises Complete Team Performance
Head coach Amol Muzumdar applauded the squad for successfully defending the Asian Games title after also winning the Women’s Asia Cup in different conditions.
“They have really done well,” Muzumdar said.
“Superb team effort. We played in different conditions in Dubai at the Asia Cup and now, defending the gold medal in Japan at the Asian Games, it’s been a good experience for this team.”
“We got the start which Shafali and Smriti provided and then, we built on it. Thanks to Richa’s fireworks. Winning here means a different feeling and credit to everyone, including the support staff.”
