Asian Games 2026: India Women Elect to Bat First Against Sri Lanka in Gold Medal Final

The gold medal clash of the Asian Games 2026 women's cricket tournament has begun at the Korogi Sports Park Stadium, with India and Sri Lanka locking horns for the biggest prize of the continental showpiece. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won a crucial toss and did not hesitate in opting to bat first, a decision that reflects her side's intent to set the tone early and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition from the outset.

CricketBuzz understands that India's team management is targeting a total in the range of 170-plus, believing such a score would stretch Sri Lanka's chase and force their batters into taking risks against a well-rounded Indian attack. With the likes of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma opening the innings, India will look for a rapid start before the middle order, anchored by Harmanpreet herself and the explosive Richa Ghosh, look to accelerate further in the back half of the innings.

Squads and Team Combinations

India have gone in with a balanced XI featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani and Nandani Sharma, giving the side plenty of batting depth alongside a varied bowling attack of spin and pace options.

Sri Lanka, led by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, have named Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Kavya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodya, Chamudi Prabodha and Sugandika Kumari in their playing eleven, as they aim to upset the odds and clinch a historic gold. As CricketBuzz reported earlier this week, both sides have been in impressive form through the tournament, setting up a mouth-watering summit clash. Stay with CricketBuzz for more live updates, scores, and analysis as this thrilling final unfolds.