How Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana powered India to a record 8th Asia Cup title

In a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title, India's Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana powered past Sri Lanka in a thrilling Women’s Asia Cup final. The match took place in Dubai on Sunday. Smriti Mandhana opened the batting, with Shafali Verma by her side. They formed a formidable opening partnership, putting on a 129-run stand.

Shafali Verma set the pace with a gritty display, quickly compiling a rapid fifty off just 24 balls, the fastest fifty in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history. Mandhana, content to play second fiddle, accelerated behind Shafali's efforts, contributing a fifty of her own. Despite Sri Lanka's valiant chase, India's relentless pace bowling, led by Sree Charani, proved too much to handle.

Charani's 4 wickets for 20 runs, including early dismissals, effectively dismantled Sri Lanka's chase. With Charani's exceptional performance and the combined efforts of India's pacers, India sealed their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title by 72 runs.