Sri Lanka triumphed over India by eight wickets to secure their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Sunday. This landmark victory marked a historic achievement for Sri Lanka in the tournament.
Chasing a target of 166, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu spearheaded the run chase with a blazing 61 off 43 balls. Her stellar performance was complemented by Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 65 off 51 balls, propelling Sri Lanka to a decisive victory in just 18.4 overs with eight balls to spare.
Earlier, India set a challenging total of 165 for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana was the standout performer for India, scoring a brisk 60 off 47 balls, while Richa Ghosh contributed a quickfire 30 off 14 deliveries. Despite these efforts, India’s total proved insufficient to defend against Sri Lanka’s determined batting lineup.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was led by Kavisha Dilhari, who claimed two crucial wickets. Sachini Nisansala and Chamari Athapaththu also chipped in with one wicket each, helping to restrict India to a manageable total.
Both teams entered the final unbeaten in the tournament. Sri Lanka secured their spot in the final by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling last-over finish in the second semi-final, while India earned their place with a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh in the first semi-final.
India’s dominance in the Women’s Asia Cup has been notable, with three T20 Asia Cup titles and four ODI editions to their name. However, this year’s edition saw Sri Lanka emerge victorious, breaking India’s streak and claiming their maiden title in the tournament’s history.
The win is a significant milestone for Sri Lankan women’s cricket, showcasing their growth and competitiveness on the international stage. As they celebrate this historic victory, the team’s performance in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers in Sri Lanka.
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