India claimed back-to-back gold medals in women’s cricket at the Asian Games after defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the T20 final on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Karogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi. The victory marked India’s second consecutive Asian Games gold in the format, following their title-winning campaign at Hangzhou in 2023. Smriti Mandhana scored 79 off 45 balls to help India post 216 for 3, the highest total in women’s T20I cricket at the Asian Games, while Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 49 off 22 balls. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 69 in 15.4 overs, with Deepti Sharma claiming 3 for 6 and Shafali Verma, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil taking two wickets each.
Richa Ghosh expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance after the match. The Bengal cricketer highlighted the importance of the squad’s unity and prior experience playing together in high-pressure tournaments. She reflected on India’s strong showings across multiple competitions and the value of familiarity among the squad members.
“I am feeling very happy because everyone has been playing with the goal of winning the gold medal. When we started the tournament, our only aim was to win gold. So, I think we are all very happy with the result, and personally, I am feeling really good,” Ghosh said after the match.
The wicketkeeper-batter added that the camaraderie in the team and celebrating each other’s success helped India win back-to-back continental competitions in the Asia Cup and the Women’s Asian Games in the same month.
“When you come to a tournament like this, you get the opportunity to play alongside players with you have played before. I think we performed really well in the Asia Cup as well as here. As a team, we played very well, enjoyed our cricket and, most importantly, enjoyed winning together,” he added.
Ghosh reflects on India’s dominant final performance
Ghosh dedicated the Asian Games gold medal to her family, friends and everyone who supported her throughout her journey. She noted that her family had travelled to watch the final and that she planned to spend time celebrating with them during her remaining days in Japan. The youngster expressed her gratitude for the backing she had received and her excitement about sharing the moment with her loved ones.
“I would dedicate this achievement to my family, my friends and everyone who has worked so hard and supported me throughout this journey. My family also came to watch the match today. I’ll be in Japan for a few more days, so I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with them and celebrating this achievement together,” Ghosh said.
Sri Lanka claimed the silver medal for the second consecutive Asian Games edition, while Pakistan secured the bronze. The victory reinforced India’s dominance in women’s T20 cricket at the continental multi-sport event.
