The Women’s Asia Cup has witnessed several outstanding individual performances in its finals over the years. From Mithali Raj’s batting masterclasses to match-winning bowling spells and all-round displays, these players have played decisive roles when the continental title was on the line. With the 2026 edition now in the history books, here’s a look at the Player of the Match winners from every Women’s Asia Cup final, spanning from 2004 to 2026.
List of Player of the Match winners in Women’s Asia Cup finals (2004-2026)
1. 2004 – Anju Jain (India) vs Sri Lanka
The inaugural Women’s Asia Cup final saw Anju Jain produce a composed performance for India against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The wicketkeeper-batter played a steady knock to anchor India’s batting effort as they posted 178 in the final.
Sri Lanka struggled badly in the chase and were bowled out for just 84. Jain’s contribution with the bat, along with her work behind the stumps, earned her the Player of the Match award as India completed a dominant victory.
2. 2005-06 – Mithali Raj (India) vs Sri Lanka
Mithali delivered a magnificent batting performance in the 2005-06 Women’s Asia Cup final in Karachi. The Indian captain led from the front with an unbeaten century that powered her team to a commanding total of 269.
Sri Lanka were unable to match India’s batting effort and were eventually beaten by 97 runs. Raj’s unbeaten century proved to be the defining performance of the final and earned her the Player of the Match award.
3. 2006 – Sunetra Paranjpe (India) vs Sri Lanka
Sunetra Paranjpe produced a decisive bowling performance in the 2006 final in Jaipur. The Indian all-rounder played a key role in dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup as the visitors were restricted to only 93 runs.
India then completed the chase comfortably, winning the final by eight wickets. Paranjpe’s disciplined bowling performance made her the standout player of the contest.
4. 2008 – Asha Rawat (India) vs Sri Lanka
Asha Rawat came close to a century in the 2008 Women’s Asia Cup final in Kurunegala, scoring an impressive 97 off 114 balls. Her innings provided the foundation for India to post a massive 260 in the final.
Sri Lanka struggled under the pressure of the target and were bowled out for just 83. India secured a huge 177-run victory, with Rawat’s match-defining knock earning her the Player of the Match award.
5. 2012 – Mithali Raj (India) vs Pakistan
Mithali once again emerged as the standout performer in a Women’s Asia Cup final when India faced Pakistan in Guangzhou in 2012. Chasing 94, India were guided by Raj’s unbeaten 36 off 38 balls.
Her calm approach ensured there were no major problems during the chase as India reached the target with eight wickets in hand. Raj’s composed innings earned her another Player of the Match award in the competition’s first T20 edition.
6. 2016 – Mithali Raj (India) vs Pakistan
Mithali added another Player of the Match award to her collection in the 2016 final in Bangkok. She played a crucial unbeaten innings of 73 to help India post 121 against Pakistan.
India’s bowlers then defended the total successfully, restricting Pakistan to 104 and securing a 17-run victory. Raj’s contribution with the bat proved decisive as India claimed their sixth consecutive Women’s Asia Cup title.
7. 2018 – Rumana Ahmed (Bangladesh) vs India
Rumana Ahmed produced an outstanding all-round performance in the 2018 final in Kuala Lumpur. She first picked up two wickets for 22 runs to help Bangladesh restrict India to 112.
Ahmed then contributed 23 crucial runs during Bangladesh’s tense chase. Her efforts helped Bangladesh complete a historic three-wicket victory and secure their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title, with Ahmed taking home the Player of the Match award.
8. 2022 – Renuka Singh (India) vs Sri Lanka
Renuka Singh produced a sensational bowling performance in the 2022 final at Sylhet. The India pacer ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, finishing with remarkable figures of 3/5 from three overs.
Sri Lanka were restricted to just 65, leaving India with a straightforward chase. India reached the target in only 8.3 overs to comfortably win the final, with Renuka’s devastating spell earning her the Player of the Match award.
9. 2024 – Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka) vs India
Harshitha Samarawickrama played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s historic triumph in the 2024 final in Dambulla. Chasing 166 against India, the left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 69 and anchored a successful run chase.
Sri Lanka reached the target with eight wickets in hand to secure their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title. Samarawickrama’s composed innings under pressure made her the clear Player of the Match.
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10. 2026 – Shafali Verma (India) vs Sri Lanka
Shafali Verma was the standout performer in the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup final in Dubai. The explosive opener smashed 68 off just 39 deliveries, setting the platform for India to post a formidable 183.
Verma also took a crucial wicket with the ball, adding to her all-round contribution. Her innings came during a record-breaking opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana and helped India defeat Sri Lanka by 72 runs to reclaim the continental title.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
