Photo via Hindustan Times

PM Narendra Modi celebrates India women’s record eighth Asia Cup triumph: ‘May this inspire millions of youngsters’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian women's cricket squad for capturing their eighth Asia Cup crown, praising their unwavering poise, steady play, and grit while expressing hope that the feat would motivate youth across the country to participate in athletics. India had entered the title clash undefeated through pool play and following a dominant semifinal victory over Bangladesh, ultimately sealing the championship in Dubai by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs.

5 overs. A quickfire 15 from five deliveries by Gunalan Kamalini pushed the total to 183 for 5, representing the second-highest opening innings total ever recorded in a Women's T20I tournament final, despite Sri Lankan dismissals from Chamari Athapaththu, Mithali Ayodhya, and Chamudi Praboda.

In response, Sri Lanka folded for 111 in their full 20 overs, with Athapaththu top-scoring at 36 alongside Nilakshika Silva's 22, as Indian bowler Shree Charani captured four wickets for 20 runs and Deepti Sharma grabbed two.