In a thrilling final of the Women’s Asia Cup held at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on July 28, 2024, Sri Lanka Women emerged victorious over India Women by 8 wickets, chasing down the target with 8 balls to spare. The moment marked the island nation winning their first-ever women’s Asia Cup title.
India Women, having won the toss and opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 165/6 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Smriti Mandhana, who scored a solid 60 off 47 balls, including 10 boundaries. Shafali Verma (16) and Uma Chetry (9) provided brief support at the top.
However, it was the middle-order contributions that propelled India to a respectable total. Jemimah Rodrigues scored a quickfire 29 off 16 balls, while Richa Ghosh added a blistering 30 off 14 balls, ensuring India crossed the 160-mark. For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari was the standout bowler, picking up 2 wickets for 36 runs in her 4 overs.
Chasing 166, Sri Lanka Women lost Vishmi Gunaratne early, run out for just 1 run. However, captain Chamari Athapaththu played a captain’s knock, scoring 61 off 43 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes. Her aggressive approach set the tone for the chase.
Harshitha Samarawickrama then took charge, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 69 off 51 balls, including 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. Kavisha Dilhari provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 30 not out off 16 balls. The duo put on a match-winning partnership, steering Sri Lanka to a memorable victory with 8 balls remaining.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters. Deepti Sharma was the only Indian bowler to claim a wicket, finishing with figures of 1 for 30 in her 4 overs. Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Tanuja Kanwar were economical but failed to provide the necessary breakthroughs. Radha Yadav was expensive, conceding 47 runs in her 4 overs.
Harshitha Samarawickrama was named Player of the Match for her exceptional unbeaten knock that guided Sri Lanka to victory. The win marks a historic moment for Sri Lanka Women, clinching the Asia Cup title in a dominant fashion.
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Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan, all set to face India in Women’s Asia Cup 2024 final
