Asian Games: Women cricketers win first gold for India

Harmanpreet Kaur-led side crush Sri Lanka by 147 runs, bowling them out in 15.4 overs to retain title

Chandigarh, September 22

India’s women’s cricket team clinched the first gold medal for the country at the 2026 Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women’s cricket final.

India posted 216 for three, with the opening pair putting together 99 runs. Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 79, while Shafali Verma contributed 48.

Richa Ghosh provided the late impetus as India finished on 216 for three, setting Sri Lanka a target of 217.

Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships in the chase and were bowled out for 69 in 15.4 overs, giving India a comprehensive 147-run victory and the gold medal.

The win gives India its maiden gold of the 2026 Asian Games.

Notably, India had won the women’s cricket gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games on its debut in the competition, beating Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final, according to the Olympic Council of Asia.

Today’s Remaining Schedule

• Swimming | 2:55 PM: India’s men’s 4x100m medley relay team — Rishabh Das, Rohit Benedicton, Danush Suresh and Akash Mani — compete in the medal final.
• Wushu | Around 3:10–3:30 PM: Naorem Roshibina Devi faces Man Sin Chu of Macao in the women’s Sanda 60kg.
• Hockey | 3:30 PM: India vs Sri Lanka in the men’s pool-stage match.
• Wushu | Around 3:50–4 PM: Aryan takes on Saydullo Abdurashitov of Uzbekistan in the men’s Sanda 56kg.