India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs at the Dubai International Stadium to clinch their eighth Asia Cup title and fourth in the T20 format. India posted 183/5, with Shafali smashing 68 off 39 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, while Smriti Mandhana added 59.
Shafali’s 24-ball fifty was the fastest in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history, while her 129-run opening partnership with Mandhana was the highest for any wicket in the tournament’s history.
Harmanpreet was delighted with Shafali’s all-round contribution throughout the tournament.
“Shafali had a great tournament. It’s good to see somebody like her taking responsibility and doing the job with bat and ball. I can’t ask anything else from her. I am very happy with the way she played,” Harmanpreet said.
Shafali finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer, accumulating 236 runs across five innings, while also contributing with two wickets.
India’s bowlers then completed the job in the final, with Charani taking four wickets and Deepti Sharma claiming three as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar also praised the opening pair of Shafali and Mandhana, highlighting how their contrasting styles put pressure on the opposition.
