Dubai: India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs and clinch a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title on Sunday.

The final was effectively settled during the opening 13 overs of India’s innings, as openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana tore apart the Sri Lankan bowling attack with a spectacular partnership. The duo added 129 runs from just 12.5 overs, giving India a commanding platform to post a formidable total.

Shafali was the standout performer, smashing 68 runs off 39 deliveries, including nine fours and two sixes. The 22-year-old also created history by completing her half-century in just 24 balls, recording the fastest fifty in Women’s Asia Cup history. She surpassed Mandhana’s previous record of 25 balls, set against Sri Lanka in the 2022 edition.

Shafali made her attacking intentions clear during the Powerplay, taking on Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu. She struck three consecutive boundaries off Athapaththu, including two sixes, as India raced to 57 without loss after six overs.

After the explosive start from the openers, India maintained control of the contest before Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma led the bowling effort to restrict Sri Lanka and seal a comprehensive victory.

The 72-run triumph underlined India’s dominance in the tournament and secured yet another Women’s Asia Cup crown, further extending their record in the competition.