India clinched its first gold medal of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a commanding 147-run victory over Sri Lanka in the women's cricket final.

Opting to bat, India posted a record-breaking 216/3. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a dazzling 79 off 45 balls, while also crossing 11,000 international runs. She combined with Shafali Verma (48) for a blistering opening stand. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 49 off 22 deliveries.

Defending the massive target, India’s bowling attack was ruthless. They dismantled Sri Lanka's lineup, bundling them out for a mere 69 runs in 15.4 overs. This triumph marks India's second consecutive women's cricket gold at the Asian Games, successfully defending the title they won in Hangzhou.