India’s women’s cricket team won the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup with a commanding 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final in Dubai on Sunday, but the post-match presentation ceremony was reportedly disrupted after the Indian players declined to receive the trophy from Pakistan Interior Minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.
India, batting first after winning the toss, posted 183 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by half-centuries from openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Verma struck 68 off 39 balls, while Mandhana made 59 off 39 as the pair put together a 129-run opening partnership.
Sri Lanka struggled in reply and were bowled out for 111 in 20 overs, handing India a 72-run victory and the continental title. Left-arm spinner Sree Charani was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 4 for 20, while Deepti Sharma also played a key role with the ball.
Final Scorecard
India Women — 183/5 (20 overs)
Shafali Verma — 68 (39)
Smriti Mandhana — 59 (39)
India — 183/5
Sri Lanka Women — 111 all out (20 overs)
Chamari Athapaththu — 36
Sree Charani — 4/20
Sri Lanka — 111 all out
Result: India won by 72 runs.
Trophy Presentation Controversy
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, was leading the presentation party after the final. He presented Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu with a $15,000 runners-up cheque, but the trophy presentation involving India was reportedly delayed.
According to reports, the Indian players declined to receive the championship trophy from Naqvi. The episode drew attention because of the continuing political tensions between India and Pakistan and a similar controversy involving the men’s Asia Cup last year.
No official explanation from the Indian team or the ACC regarding the reported refusal was immediately cited in the report.
Key Tournament Points
Champions: India
Runners-up: Sri Lanka
Final margin: India won by 72 runs
India’s total: 183/5
Sri Lanka’s total: 111 all out
India’s title: Record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup crown.
Player of the final: Shafali Verma was among the standout performers with 68 off 39 balls.
Best bowling: Sree Charani — 4/20.
India’s semi-final: India defeated Bangladesh by 40 runs, scoring 149/6 and restricting Bangladesh to 109/7.
Other semi-final: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets, chasing 131 with eight balls to spare.
Final venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
India’s victory marked a dominant end to their campaign, with the team overcoming Bangladesh in the semi-final before producing an emphatic all-round performance against Sri Lanka in the final.
This version now includes the match scorecard, key players, tournament route, title record and trophy-presentation controversy in a format suitable for an international sports news report.
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