India crush Sri Lanka to win Asia Cup; Mohsin Naqvi trophy row overshadows celebrations

Dubai: India produced a commanding all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup final on Sunday and reclaim the continental title, but their celebrations were overshadowed by another controversy involving Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Batting first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India posted a formidable 183 for five in 20 overs, riding on explosive half-centuries from openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Sri Lanka, the defending champions, never recovered from a difficult start in the chase and were bowled out for 111, handing India a record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.

Shafali set the tone with a blistering 68 off 39 balls, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Smriti provided equally important support with a polished 59 from 39 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes. The opening pair added 129 runs, putting India firmly in control and giving the middle order the platform to push the total towards a match-winning score.

India’s innings did slow down towards the closing stages, with Sri Lanka restricting them to 43 runs in the final five overs. But the damage had already been done. Richa Ghosh contributed 17, while G Kamalini provided a late burst with an unbeaten 15 from just five balls as India finished on 183 for five.

Sri Lanka needed an aggressive start but instead found themselves under pressure almost immediately. India’s spinners then tightened the screws, with Shree Charani emerging as the chief destroyer. She claimed four wickets for 20 runs as Sri Lanka's batting order collapsed, while Deepti Sharma (3/19) also played a crucial role in restricting the chase.

Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 111, giving India a comprehensive 72-run victory and their eighth Asia Cup crown. The triumph also provided a measure of redemption after Sri Lanka had beaten India in the previous edition's final. India’s superiority in the final was underlined by the fact that they dominated both major phases of the contest — a powerful opening partnership with the bat followed by disciplined spin bowling.

Yet the trophy presentation became the biggest talking point of the night.

India did not receive the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who was present in his capacity as ACC president. The presentation was delayed amid the standoff, with reports saying the Indian side had already communicated its position to the ACC before the final. The BCCI had reportedly informed the continental body that India would not accept the trophy from Naqvi if it won the title.

The episode immediately revived memories of the controversy surrounding the men’s Asia Cup final in 2025, when India had also declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi. He is not only the ACC chief and PCB chairman but also Pakistan’s interior minister, making his presence at ceremonies involving Indian teams particularly sensitive against the backdrop of strained India-Pakistan relations.

(This article has been written with the help of AI)

Tags : India, Sri Lanka, Asia Cup, Mohsin Naqvi, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma