DUBAI — Indian cricket reached yet another pinnacle of excellence on Sunday night as the Women in Blue dismantled Sri Lanka by 72 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, clinching a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. The victory served as the crowning jewel of a flawless, unbeaten campaign that showcased the depth, discipline, and sheer dominance of Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad.
The win sent shockwaves of celebration across India, prompting high-level recognition from the nation’s leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu were among the first to offer their plaudits, hailing the team not just for their technical prowess, but for the poise they maintained under the pressure of a major continental final.
## ‘A proud moment for Indian cricket’: PM Modi congratulates Team India
The Prime Minister took to social media to commend the squad’s unwavering consistency. “A proud moment for Indian cricket! Congratulations to the Women’s team on winning the Asia Cup. Their confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament,” PM Modi posted on X. He expressed hope that the triumph would serve as a catalyst for the next generation, inspiring millions of youngsters to lace up their boots and represent the country on the global stage.
President Droupadi Murmu mirrored these sentiments, emphasizing the impact of the victory on the nation’s youth. “They played superbly as a team throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. They have done the country proud. They are a source of great inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters,” the President wrote.
## A masterclass in Dubai
The final itself was a testament to India’s batting and bowling supremacy. Opener Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the tone early, dismantling the Sri Lankan attack with a scintillating 129-run partnership. Mandhana’s 59 off 39 balls provided the perfect anchor, while Verma’s explosive 68 off 39 deliveries allowed India to post a formidable total of 183/5.
When it came time to defend, the bowling unit proved lethal. Sree Charani was the standout performer with the ball, picking up a clinical 4/20, while Deepti Sharma provided excellent support with figures of 3/19. Sri Lanka’s resistance crumbled under the pressure, resulting in them being bundled out for just 111 runs.
The comprehensive performance drew praise from across the political and sporting spectrum. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla lauded the collective effort, noting that every single player stepped up when the moment demanded it. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri echoed this, highlighting the team’s “batting brilliance, bowling firepower, and electric fielding.”
## The trophy presentation and the stance on solidarity
While the sporting achievement was unequivocal, the trophy presentation ceremony became a focal point of discussion. The Indian team opted not to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the decision was a deliberate act of solidarity with the Indian men’s team, who had adopted a similar stance following their 2025 Asia Cup victory. Saikia explained that the move stems from the sensitive political climate following the April 2025 Pahalgam incident.
“Our military conflict is still ongoing. One of the main leaders who is working against the interests of our country; we can’t receive the trophy from him,” Saikia explained. He emphasized that the decision was not a reflection on the tournament organizers or a diminishment of the team’s historic win, but rather a principled stand against those acting against national interests.
“Our goal is to bring home the gold medal, and that is our sole objective,” Saikia added, pivoting the conversation toward the team’s next frontier.
## Looking ahead: The Road to Japan
There is little time for the champions to rest. With the euphoria of the Asia Cup victory still settling, the team is already shifting its gaze toward the Asian Games in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture.
The focus of the squad, led by the tactical acumen of Harmanpreet Kaur, remains firmly on long-term development. Saikia noted that the team’s recent surge in performance is no accident; it is the result of meticulous planning geared toward the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
“The happiest part of this tournament is how India has left everyone else behind and surged so far ahead,” Saikia noted. As the team departs for Japan, the message is clear: the Asia Cup is merely a stepping stone. With a blend of seasoned veterans and explosive young talent, India’s women’s cricket team appears poised to redefine the limits of the sport on the international stage.
For now, the country celebrates. But for Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad, the pursuit of perfection never truly stops.
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