Shafali Verma's Century Propels India Women to Asian Games Final; Sri Lanka Also Advance
India will face Sri Lanka for the Asian Games gold medal on September 22, while South Africa completed a 5-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe.
The story
At the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, India Women secured their spot in the Asian Games 2026 cricket final with a commanding performance against Bangladesh Women in the semi-final today. Opening batter Shafali Verma led the charge, smashing a maiden T20I century, scoring 100 runs off just 49 balls, including nine sixes and three fours. Contributions from Smriti Mandhana (37 off 18 deliveries) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (40 off 33 balls) helped India post a formidable total of 195/4 in their 20 overs. In response, Bangladesh struggled against the Indian bowling attack, with Nandani Sharma picking up two quick wickets, restricting them to 66/8 in 13.2 overs.
In the other semi-final, Sri Lanka Women defeated Pakistan Women by eight wickets. Pakistan batted first, setting a target of 177/4. Sri Lanka successfully chased this down, reaching 178/2 in 17.5 overs, with Chamari Athapaththu leading the way with an unbeaten 83 runs.
Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, South Africa Women completed a comprehensive 5-0 T20I series whitewash over Zimbabwe Women on September 19. In the fifth and final T20I at Queen's Sports Club, South Africa defended their total of 164/6, restricting Zimbabwe to 151/8 to secure a 13-run victory. Kayla Reyneke (34*) and Anneke Bosch (33) were key contributors with the bat for South Africa. For Zimbabwe, Kelis Ndhlovu (38) and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (29) offered resistance. Nthabiseng Nini (3-19) and Ayanda Hlubi (3-24) were the standout bowlers for South Africa.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Women vs Bangladesh Women | WT20I (Asian Games Semi-final) | India Women won (India 195/4; Bangladesh 66/8 in 13.2 overs) | Shafali Verma (100 off 49 balls) |
| Sri Lanka Women vs Pakistan Women | WT20I (Asian Games Semi-final) | Sri Lanka Women won by 8 wickets (chasing 178) | Chamari Athapaththu (83* runs) |
| Zimbabwe vs South Africa | WT20I | South Africa Women won by 13 runs | Nthabiseng Nini (3-19) |
Series in play
Asian Games Women's Cricket Competition 2026. Semi-finals concluded, India and Sri Lanka to play in the final.
Zimbabwe Women vs South Africa Women T20I Series. South Africa Women won the five-match series 5-0.
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings | Australia #1, England #2, India #3 | Rankings were last updated on September 19, 2026; next annual update is October 1. |
| ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings | Australia #1, England #2, India #3 | India are the reigning ODI World Cup champions from 2025. |
What we'll be watching
- Asian Games 2026 Women's Cricket Final: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women on September 22.
- Asian Games 2026 Women's Cricket Bronze Medal Match: Bangladesh Women vs Pakistan Women on September 22.
- Zimbabwe Women to host West Indies Women for three ODIs (ICC Women's Championship) and T20Is (dates TBC).
- Australia Women tour of Bangladesh Women: First WODI on October 8.
- India Women tour of Zimbabwe Women: First WODI on October 23.
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