Since its launch in 2004, the Women’s Asia Cup has become one of international cricket’s most competitive tournaments. Originally played as an ODI competition, it switched to the T20I format in 2012, producing memorable finals, high-stakes drama, and shifts in regional dominance.
The Asian Cricket Council launched the tournament in Sri Lanka in April 2004 as a 5-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka. India swept the series 5–0, marking a period of dominance. In the next three 50-over editions (2005–06, 2006, and 2008), India comfortably defeated Sri Lanka in every final, aided by greater batting depth and strong spin attacks.
India women remain the tournament’s most successful team with seven titles. However, Bangladesh’s 2018 victory and Sri Lanka’s 2024 triumph highlight the growing competitiveness of Asian women’s cricket, setting the stage for another memorable final. With India and Sri Lanka set to meet in another closely contested final on Sunday, now is an ideal time to revisit some of the tournament’s most remarkable title clashes.
1. Low-scoring thriller: India vs Pakistan (2012)
The inaugural T20 final in an unlikely location of Guangzhou, China, delivered an intense low-scoring defence. India posted just 81 runs before being bowled out. Punam Raut top scoring with 25 with just three Indian batters reaching double digit. Pakistan appeared poised for an upset, but India’s spin attack sowed their magic. Led by Archana Das and Ekta Bisht, they dismantled the Pakistani lineup for 63 runs, securing an 18-run victory.
2. The ultimate upset: Bangladesh vs India (2018)
The 2018 final in Kuala Lumpur stands as one of the biggest shocks in women’s cricket history. India, already six consecutive champions and seeking a seventh straight title, set a target of 113. The captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 56 for them. However, with Bangladesh requiring two runs off the final ball bowled by Harmanpreet Kaur, Jahanara Alam scampered for two, sealing a historic 3-wicket victory off the last ball to crown Bangladesh as Asia Cup champions for the first time.
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3. Redemption in Sylhet: India vs Sri Lanka (2022)
India returned to the top in Bangladesh by restricting Sri Lanka to 65/9 in their 20 overs during the 2022 final. Renuka Singh’s opening spell (3/5) set the tone before Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 51 off 25 balls raced India to victory in 8.3 overs. The stylish left-hander decorated her innings with six boundaries and three sixes as India captured their seventh title.
4. Home Triumph: Sri Lanka vs India (2024)
In Dambulla, Sri Lanka achieved a major milestone by winning their first Asia Cup title. India were the constant in the final and posted a respectable 165/6, thanks to 60 from Mandhana and late innings cameos from Jemimah Rodrigues (29) and Richa Ghosh (30). Chasing India’s total of 165/6, the Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu led from the front. Her 61 and Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 69* played decisive roles to complete an 8-wicket chase with eight balls to spare.
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