'That's the beauty of a team game' - Sachin Tendulkar hails India women's gold medal triumph

India's women's cricket team won their second successive Asian Games gold medal on Tuesday, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final at Asian Games 2026.

India posted 216 for three wickets in their innings, with Shafali Verma contributing 48 off 29 deliveries and Smriti Mandhana scoring 79 from 45 balls. Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 49 off 22 balls, providing the late acceleration that took India's total to a record high. India's 216 for three was the highest team total ever recorded in women's cricket at the Asian Games. Tendulkar highlighted the contributions of different players in India’s comprehensive victory and praised the team’s all-round effort.

"That’s the beauty of a team game. Different players, different moments, one big result.Shafali and Smriti’s 99-run partnership at the top gave India the platform, Richa Ghosh’s late blitz took the total to a massive 216, and then Shafali, Deepti, Shreyanka and Shree Charani kept finding the wickets. A terrific effort from the Indian women’s team. Congratulations on the Gold!," Tendulkar wrote on X.

Mandhana's record-breaking innings powers India to 216

Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking innings played a crucial role in India’s commanding total of 216. She became the first woman cricketer to reach 11,000 runs in international cricket, adding another milestone to her illustrious career. Her 99-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma provided India with a strong foundation and allowed the team to build momentum from the outset. Richa Ghosh then produced a late flourish to propel India to a massive score.

Bowling dominance seals India's gold medal

Sri Lanka struggled to cope with India’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for just 69 in 15.4 overs. Deepti Sharma led the way with an impressive spell of 3 for 6, while Shafali Verma and Shreyanka Patil claimed two wickets apiece. Shree Charani also picked up two wickets as India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. The comprehensive bowling display ensured Sri Lanka never threatened the target, as India secured a dominant 147-run victory and the gold medal.