Photo via Hindustan Times

Cricket brings first gold for India: Harmanpreet’s women defend Asian Games crown with crushing win over Sri Lanka

India secured their maiden gold medal of the 2026 Asian Games as the women's cricket team defended their continental title with a resounding 147-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final. Smriti Mandhana spearheaded the batting effort with a brilliant 79, anchoring a formidable total of 216 for 3 before the bowling attack dismantled the opposition for just 69 runs.