India defended their women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games with a 147-run win over Sri Lanka
Smriti Mandhana scored 79 off 45 balls and shared a 99-run opening stand with Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma made 48 off 29 balls and later took two wickets in the final
Richa Ghosh struck an unbeaten 49 off 22 balls as India posted 216/3, their highest total in the women’s Asian Games competition
India have retained the women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games, beating Sri Lanka in a commanding final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. The women in blue piled up 216/3 in 20 overs after opting to bat first which is now their highest total in the women’s Asian Games competition.
Smriti Mandhana set the platform with a blistering 79 off 45 balls, smashing five fours and seven sixes. She forged a 99-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed with a 29-ball 48. Richa Ghosh then provided a stunning finish, smashing an unbeaten 49 off just 22 balls, including six fours and three sixes.
In reply, Chamari Athapaththu offered some resistance with 29 off 21, but India’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum as Shafali claimed two wickets, while Deepti Sharma took three and Shree Charani two as Sri Lanka slipped to 63/8 in 13.1 overs.
Sri Lanka eventually finished on 69, leaving India with a massive 147-run victory and the gold medal. The result also sees India successfully defend the title they won at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games
