India women are preparing to face defending champions Sri Lanka women in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 on Sunday in Dubai. Both teams topped their respective points tables, but their campaigns were totally different. India have looked extremely consistent for much of the competition, churning out commanding performances match after match. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have had to work harder for their victories.
They had to fight hard, but whenever pressure mounted, they managed to find a way to emerge victorious. Sri Lanka will also carry an important psychological advantage following their victory over India in the final of the previous edition. For India, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana have led India’s dominance with the bat. However, the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh, who are yet to fire on all cylinders, will look to get some runs under their belt.
Moreover, Indian spinners Deepti Sharma and N Shree Charani have spearheaded India’s bowling attack, causing a lot of damage in the opposition camp with their ruthless spells. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will bank on captain Chamari Athapaththu, Harsthitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, and Nilakshika Silva.
Head-to-head
Matches - 31
IND-W won - 25
SL-W won - 5
No result -1
India likely XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Kranti Gaud, N Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma
Sri Lanka likely XI: Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Sanjana Kavindi, Harsthitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Mithali Ayodhya