India lift eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, skip trophy ceremony

India retained their dominance in the Women’s Asia Cup, beating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (September 13) to secure a record-extending eighth title. The victory also gave India their fourth T20 Asia Cup crown.

After opting to bat first, India posted 183 for five, powered by a record 129-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Shafali smashed a 24-ball fifty, the fastest in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history, while both openers made 59.

Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum as India’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. Chamari Athapaththu made 36 and Vishmi Gunaratne 20, but the defending champions were eventually bowled out for 111. Shree Charani claimed four wickets for 20 runs, while Deepti Sharma took three for 19.

The title triumph, however, was followed by an unusual post-match episode as India did not attend the trophy presentation or accept the championship trophy.

The final ended at around 9:50pm (local time), but the presentation began more than 45 minutes later. Match officials and Sri Lanka’s players received their medals, with Athapaththu accepting the runners-up award, while the Indian team did not appear on stage. Individual awards were also not presented.

Photos and videos showed India’s players and support staff gathered outside their dressing room during the ceremony.

India head coach Amol Muzumdar said the decision was taken by the BCCI and backed by the team.

“That stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we stand by it,” Muzumdar said. “The tournament is over. We are the champions, and that’s good enough for us.”

The episode echoed last year’s men’s Asia Cup final, when India also declined to receive the trophy from ACC chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.