Sri Lanka’s women had to settle for silver at the 2026 Asian Games after India proved far too strong in the cricket final, romping to a 147-run victory.

India produced a commanding batting display after taking first lease of the wicket, piling up 216 for three from their 20 overs before dismissing Sri Lanka for just 69 in 15.4 overs.

Smriti Mandhana laid the foundation for India’s imposing total with a sparkling 79 off 45 balls before Richa Ghosh applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 49 off only 22 deliveries.

Sri Lanka struggled to contain the Indian batting onslaught, with Chamudi Praboda and Kavisha Dilhari claiming a wicket apiece.

Faced with a daunting target of 217, Sri Lanka needed a flying start but instead found themselves tied down by a disciplined Indian attack.

Captain Chamari Atapattu attempted to lead the resistance with 29 off 21 balls, but there was little support around her. Kaushini Nuthyangana was the only other batter to reach double figures, making 14.

Once Chamari departed, Sri Lanka’s challenge quickly faded as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

Deepti Sharma was the pick of the Indian bowlers, returning outstanding figures of three for six, while Shafali Verma chipped in with two for three as Sri Lanka were bundled out well inside their allotted 20 overs.

The emphatic victory handed India the gold medal, while Sri Lanka ended their Asian Games campaign with silver.

Caption: Chamari Atapattu couldn’t see her side through in the cricket final of Asian Games as Sri Lanka had to settle for silver medal.

In a dominant show of talent, teamwork and discipline, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC delivered a commanding performance at the 41st Mercantile Athletic Federation (MAF) Meet held a few weeks ago at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Diyagama. CDB clinched the Men’s and Women’s Overall Championship titles and the Men’s Overall Novices Championship, showcasing a clean sweep across categories that underscored the strength and depth of CDB’s sporting talent.

In one of the most keenly contested fixtures in Sri Lanka’s corporate sporting calendar, CDB’s athletes took full command from the first day of the meet, with the team’s novices and seniors setting the pace across a demanding field of competitors from the country’s leading mercantile organisations.

CDB’s individual stars were equally decisive. Members of the team established four meet records – Race Walk Men’s Novices: Kandhasami Sham, Women’s 30+ Triple Jump: Bhakthi Wijesinghe, Men’s Championship High Jump: Kamod de Silva and Women’s Championships 400 meters Hurdles: Umaya Rathnayake. Shakila Wijesekara was named Best Athlete – Novices Men, while Umaya Rathnayake claimed a rare double, being named both Best Athlete – Championship Women and Best Athlete – Women. Team CDB rounded off the meet in fourth place overall, capping a campaign that reflected months of disciplined training and preparation — training that CDB’s athletes balanced alongside their day-to-day roles across the organisation.

That balance is central to what the win represents for CDB. Behind every medal is an employee who spent early mornings and weekends training, while continuing to meet their professional commitments — a reflection of the culture CDB has built around encouraging its people to pursue what they are passionate about, without having to compromise on their contribution to the company’s growth and success.

“This result is a proud moment for CDB,” says Executive Director – Corporate Finance Roshan Abeygoonewardena. “Our athletes trained with real discipline and heart over the past several months, balancing that commitment with their day jobs, and to see it translate into a clean sweep of the Men’s and Women’s Championship titles is a testament to who they are as individuals and as professionals.” Going beyond the medals, he credited the wider effort that went into the win. “We must also congratulate the coaches and support team who worked just as hard behind the scenes because at CDB, we believe that the same values that drive success on the track — discipline, resilience and teamwork — are what drive success in our business every day. We’re incredibly proud of the multi-talented youth who encompass Team CDB.”

CDB’s continued investment in workplace sports reflects the same culture of discipline, excellence and team spirit that underpins the CDB brand more broadly. It is part of a deliberate effort to create an environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally — one that recognises that a well-rounded, motivated workforce is built by encouraging people to maintain a healthy balance between their corporate lives and personal interests, not in spite of it. This continued success at the MAF Meet reaffirms CDB’s identity as an employer that nurtures talent both on and off the job, and reinforces the company’s growing reputation as a serious contender on the corporate sporting stage.

England had moved to 119 for two at the end of 20 overs after electing to bat first in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street yesterday.

Captain Kusal Mendis returned to the side after a long injury lay off while Sri Lanka handed over debut to leg-spin bowler Sachindu Colombage.

Captain Harry Brook was unbeaten on 35 with Joe Root on 41.