Watch: India celebrate with water bottle, not trophy

The Indian women’s side refused to take the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 title from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, after beating Sri Lanka in the final by 72 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It was a repeat of the same situation from last year’s Asia Cup at the same venue.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, after the end of the game, didn’t take the podium to get the title. The Indian fans, who were present at the ground during the final, chanted ‘trophy chor’ at Naqvi, as he made his way out of the ground.

India improvise with a water bottle in their winning celebration

Harmanpreet produced a hilarious moment during the celebrations after the blue brigade won the title. Their captain found an unusual replacement for the title as her teammates requested hr to lift a water bottle during the group photo of the squad.

Watch India celebrating with water bottle here-

The players gathered for the team photo away from the podium, where Naqvi delivered Sri Lanka a runners-up medal and cheque. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, later revealed that it was their collective decision not to accept the trophy.

“We had taken a conscious decision considering all prevailing aspects, and our position had been communicated to the ACC in advance, that the Indian team would not participate in the trophy presentation under the circumstances.” The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, revealed in a statement.

“Given the circumstances and the sentiments prevailing in the country, the BCCI felt that it would not be appropriate for the team to receive the trophy in the proposed manner. This was a firm institutional decision, reflective of the position we have maintained, and was not directed at the players, the tournament or the sport.” He added.

Shafali's record-fastest fifty and a 129-run opening stand set up a 72-run win

India got a strong opening partnership of 129 runs between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana during the final to end up with 183 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The former smashed 68 runs off 39 balls at a strike rate of 174.39, with the help of nine boundaries and two sixes. Mandhana claimed 59 runs off 39 balls, shouldering five boundaries and three sixes.

Sri Lanka, in reply, were bundled out for 111 runs in 20 overs. Their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, got 36 runs off 32 balls, while Shree Chanai ended up with figures of 4/20 in four overs at an economy rate of five, and Deepti Sharma claimed 3/19 in four overs.

Brief Scores: India 183/5 (Shafali Verma 68, Smriti Mandhana 59, Mithali Ayodhya 1/33) beat Sri Lanka 111 (Chamari Athapaththu 36, Shree Charani 4/20) by 72 runs.