Harmanpreet urges team to stand up before Asia Cup final - ICC

**India’s Women’s Cricket Team Clinches Eighth Asia Cup Title After Inspirational Pre‑Match Pep Talk**

In a charged pre‑final address, captain Harmanpreet Kaur exhorted her teammates to “stand up” and seize the moment, a rallying cry that resonated on the field as India faced Sri Lanka in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup final. The Indian side, buoyed by the fiery performances of rising star Shafali Verma and seasoned campaigner Smriti Mandhana, delivered a commanding 72‑run victory, overturning the disappointment of last year’s final loss to the same opponents. Kaur’s leadership, combined with aggressive batting and disciplined bowling, underscored a collective resolve to reclaim the title.

The match, held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, saw India post a formidable total of 188/5, with Verma smashing 72 off 52 balls and Mandhana anchoring the innings with a steady 55. Sri Lanka’s chase faltered early under the pressure of tight lines from the Indian bowlers, ultimately collapsing at 116/9. The win not only avenged the 2024 defeat but also extended India’s record to eight Asia Cup crowns, further cementing their dominance in the region’s women’s cricket.

Following the triumph, a brief delay occurred in the trophy presentation as Pakistani poet‑journalist Mohsin Naqvi arrived late to the ceremony. BCCI officials eventually took the stage to hand over the medals, commending the squad’s unity and performance. The celebration highlighted both the on‑field excellence and the off‑field camaraderie that continue to drive Indian women’s cricket forward.