Seven-time champions India will aim to extend their dominance in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup when they face a resilient Sri Lanka in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. India will enter the title clash looking for a record-extending eighth championship, with opener Shafali Verma and all-rounder Deepti Sharma expected to play important roles against a Sri Lankan side that has shown enough competitiveness to challenge the defending champions. India’s campaign has been built around consistent contributions with both bat and ball, while Sri Lanka will look to disrupt their opponents’ strong record in the continental tournament.

Shafali has been one of India’s most reliable performers throughout the competition and has emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. She has accumulated 168 runs, including two half-centuries, and has managed to maintain her effectiveness despite the slow and spin-friendly conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Her ability to find scoring opportunities without appearing overly affected by the nature of the pitches has made her an important component of India’s batting line-up ahead of the final.

The opener’s consistency has been particularly valuable given that Smriti Mandhana’s campaign has been uneven. Mandhana has scored 154 runs and produced a brilliant century during the tournament, but she has also recorded two single-digit scores. Shafali, in contrast, has continued to contribute regularly and has appeared more comfortable playing her attacking strokes on the difficult surfaces. Her ability to score while other batters have struggled has helped provide India with stability at the top of the order.

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Deepti has been equally influential with the ball and enters the final as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. She has taken 11 wickets, matching Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu’s tally of 11, to lead the bowling charts. Deepti has been central to India’s spin-heavy attack and has consistently provided control as well as breakthroughs. Her contribution has not been restricted to bowling, with the experienced all-rounder also making useful contributions with the bat when India have needed additional runs.

Her importance was evident in the semifinal against Bangladesh, when Deepti scored a quick six-ball 13 that helped India push their total closer to the 150-run mark. While the innings was brief, the contribution proved valuable in a knockout match where every run carried significance. Deepti’s ability to influence games in multiple disciplines gives India an additional advantage going into the final, particularly on conditions that have favoured spin bowling throughout the tournament. India’s spin resources have also been strengthened by the contributions of Shree Charani and Prema Rawat.

Charani has provided an economical option, while Rawat has gradually found her rhythm as the tournament has progressed. Together with Deepti, they form a spin attack that has played a major role in India’s performances. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be led by Athapaththu, who has matched Deepti’s tally of 11 wickets and will be an important figure for her team in the final. With India seeking an eighth title and Sri Lanka aiming to upset the tournament favourites, the final will bring together two sides with strong spin options and influential all-rounders. India’s greater experience in the competition gives them a strong platform, but Sri Lanka’s resilience means the defending champions cannot afford to underestimate them in the title clash.

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