Watch National Anthem Being Played As India Receive First Gold Medal at Asian Games 2026
The Indian women's cricket team has secured India's first gold medal at the Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by a massive 147 runs in a dominant T20 final today, September 22, at the KΕrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
History was etched today at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 as the Indian women's cricket team delivered a spectacular performance, defeating Sri Lanka by a massive 147 runs to secure India's inaugural gold medal of the Games. The comprehensive victory on Tuesday, September 22, at the KΕrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, marked a triumphant start to India's medal haul and saw the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad successfully defend their Asian Games title. India Women's Cricket Team Win Gold Medal at Asian Games 2026.
National Anthem Being Played As India Receive First Gold Medal at Asian Games 2026
πππ ππππππ ππππππππ ππππππ ππππππ ππππππ πππππ-ππππππ! β¨
Our Tricolour rises as Harmanpreet Kaur and the Women in Blue stand on the podium, their Gold Medal secured for the second Asian Games in a row. π₯Ήπ«Ά
Watch the 20th Asian⦠pic.twitter.com/qLFTwvEjoB
β Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 22, 2026
India's Dominant Batting Display
Electing to bat first after captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss, India posted a formidable total of 216/3 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a sensational knock from opener Smriti Mandhana, who blazed her way to 79 runs off just 45 balls, a destructive innings adorned with seven sixes and five fours. She was ably supported by Shafali Verma, who contributed a brisk 48 runs. The late flourish came from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who hammered an unbeaten 49 runs off merely 22 deliveries, propelling India to the highest total in the women's cricket competition at the Asian Games.
Sri Lanka Crumbles Under Pressure
Chasing a daunting target of 217, the Sri Lankan batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure from the Indian bowlers. They were eventually bundled out for a mere 69 runs in 15.4 overs. The Indian spin attack proved to be the wrecker-in-chief, with Deepti Sharma leading the charge, claiming an impressive 3 wickets for just 6 runs. Shafali Verma added to her all-round performance with two crucial wickets for 3 runs, while Shree Charani also picked up two wickets for 13 runs, and Shreyanka Patil bagged two for 9 runs, ensuring a comprehensive 147-run victory for India.
A Repeat Performance and Golden Glory
This gold medal is particularly sweet for India as it marks their first gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games, which officially commenced on September 19 and runs until October 4. The triumph also signifies India successfully defending the women's cricket title they won at the previous edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Interestingly, this final was a rematch of an earlier continental title clash this month, the Asia Cup final, where India had also emerged victorious against Sri Lanka. Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Woman Cricketer to Score 11,000 International Runs, Achieves Feat in Asian Games 2026 Gold Medal Match vs Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Indian men's cricket team will begin their campaign later in the tournament, with their T20 competition scheduled from September 24 to October 3, 2026.
The resounding victory by the women's cricket team sets an inspiring precedent for the rest of the Indian contingent at the ongoing Asian Games, promising more memorable performances as the Games unfold in Japan.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2026 04:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
