Smriti Mandhana says India’s dominant win over Sri Lanka offers a much-needed confidence boost after recent T20 struggles…reports India Daily News Desk
India openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma reflected on their team’s dominant Asia Cup final victory over Sri Lanka, with Mandhana describing the title triumph as a major “confidence booster” after a difficult run in recent T20 tournaments.
India produced a commanding all-round performance at Dubai on Sunday, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs to lift the continental title. The victory was built around a record opening partnership between Mandhana and Shafali, who added 129 runs for the first wicket.
The stand was the highest partnership for any wicket in Women’s Asia Cup history and also the best opening partnership in a women’s T20 international final. Their contribution helped India post 183/5 before Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111 in 20 overs.
Speaking in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mandhana reflected on India’s recent struggles in major T20 tournaments and said the victory had provided the team with renewed confidence.
She pointed to India’s disappointing Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in 2024, when the team failed to defend a total of 166, and said Sunday’s result offered a chance to move forward.
“Earlier, I used to get really hyped about reaching the finals. But now, I keep things simple.” —
Shafali Verma
“2024 (women’s Asia Cup final) was very disappointing. We made 160, we could not defend it. But I think after two years, it felt good to be playing the same opposition in the finals,” Mandhana said.
“Especially after three years of playing in T20 cricket, I do not think our team has done so well in tournaments. So I feel in that way, it is a good confidence booster. But we have to continue.”
India have enjoyed considerable success in ODI cricket, including a historic ICC Women’s World Cup triumph at home last year, but their performances in T20 tournaments have been less consistent. The team exited the group stages of the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and had also finished runners-up to Sri Lanka in the previous Women’s Asia Cup.
Mandhana also praised Shafali for producing one of her finest innings of the tournament. The opener smashed 68 off just 39 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes, as she and Mandhana took India to a flying start.
“Today’s innings was a matured innings. You started off well but picked your gaps. A lot of things are said for the openers. I think it was not an easy wicket as you showed,” Mandhana said.
“The way you bat and took on right fielders, over mid-on and mid-off. So it was pretty cool to watch.”
Shafali finished the tournament as its leading run-scorer, accumulating 236 runs in five innings at an average of 47.20 and a remarkable strike rate of 171.01. She recorded three half-centuries, including the fastest fifty in Women’s Asia Cup history, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls.
The 22-year-old credited Mandhana’s guidance for helping her make better decisions while finding gaps in the field.
Shafali also explained how her mindset towards finals has changed over the years. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the occasion, she now focuses on keeping her approach simple and concentrating on the basics.
“People talk really bad about openers, it is best to reply with your bat and I am happy we could do it in the finals,” she said.
“Earlier, I used to get really hyped about reaching the finals. But now, I keep things simple, keep going back to the basics, that I need to watch the ball and just react.”
Shafali added that her growth as a cricketer has come from being willing to learn quickly and adapt to different situations.
India’s victory was completed by an impressive bowling display, led by Sree Charani, who claimed four wickets for 20 runs. After the record opening stand set up the total, India’s bowlers ensured Sri Lanka never threatened the target.
The Asia Cup triumph gives India an important boost in confidence as they look to build greater consistency in T20 cricket.
