Asian Games: Smriti Mandhana stars as India retain women’s cricket gold medal

India have retained their women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games, crushing Sri Lanka by 147 runs in a one-sided final to secure their first gold of the 2026 Games. Smriti Mandhana’s magnificent 79 set up a record 216/3 before India’s bowlers completed a ruthless defence.

Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave India the perfect start, adding 99 for the opening wicket, with Shafali contributing a brisk 48. Mandhana then took centre stage, producing a superb 79, before Richa Ghosh provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 49 off 22 balls as India posted the highest-ever women’s cricket total in Asian Games history.

Sri Lanka’s chase never got going. Shafali was excellent with the ball too, striking twice, while Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani kept the pressure relentless. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for just 69, leaving India with a dominant 147-run victory and another Asian Games gold medal.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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