India's record-extending eighth Women's Asia Cup title was celebrated in style at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 14 September, as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and Vice President Rajeev Shukla joined the triumphant squad and support staff on the field following a commanding 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final. Among the highlights of the post-match ceremony was the presentation of the fielding medal to young all-rounder Nandni Sharma.

BCCI Officials on the Ground

Saikia and Shukla were in attendance at the stadium as India sealed a dominant continental campaign. The two senior BCCI officials walked onto the ground, interacted with players and members of the support staff, applauded individual performances, and personally presented the fielding medal to Nandni Sharma — a moment that underscored the occasion's personal significance for the youngster.

Nandni's Comeback Story

For Nandni Sharma, the title carried weight beyond the scoreboard. The young cricketer had missed considerable action after sustaining an injury during the Women's Premier League (WPL), which also ruled her out of the World Cup. Speaking to broadcasters after the win, she described the triumph as a deeply personal milestone.

'It feels really good. I was in a tournament in India, and I got injured. I was in the WPL, the World Cup, so this is my first one. It feels really, really good, and then we won again, so it feels even better,' she said.

Containing Chamari Athapaththu

A key talking point from the final was India's ability to restrict Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu — one of the most destructive batters in women's cricket — to just 36 runs before she was dismissed by Deepti Sharma. When asked about the team's approach, Nandni credited the clarity provided by her teammates and the support staff.

'I think the credit goes to my teammates and the staff. They kept everything very clear for us about what we had to do, so I just did that,' she noted.

Deepti Sharma's Match-Winning Spell

Deepti Sharma was central to India's victory, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 19. She dismissed both Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne in the same over and returned to close out Sri Lanka's innings. Nandni highlighted the team's confidence in the all-rounder when wickets were needed.

'She is someone who, whenever a wicket is really needed, eventually gets that wicket. So we knew she would handle everything. We just had to give a good start with the ball,' Nandni said.

Eyes on the Asian Games

India's Asia Cup success arrives at a significant moment, with the Asian Games on the horizon. Nandni indicated that while the confidence levels within the squad are high, the team is also using the campaign to identify areas for improvement ahead of the next assignment.

'Confidence is very high, and it is there in our practice as well. Whatever little mistakes we made, we will work on them and then go there and win as well,' she said. With their record eighth title secured, India will now look to carry the momentum into the Asian Games and beyond.