The Sri Lankan women’s team created history in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 by defeating the strong Indian side in the Final. Sri Lanka’s exceptional all-around performance turned the momentum, sealing a memorable victory and their maiden Asia Cup title.
What went wrong for India?
Indian Captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first. India posted a target of 165 for Sri Lanka, with Smriti Mandhana scoring the bulk. Mandhana stabilized the innings with a solid 60 off 47 balls as key wickets like Harmanpreet Kaur & Shafali Verma fell on the other end. Cameos from Richa Gosh and Jemimah Rodrigues boosted the team’s total to a competitive score.
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India’s fielding and bowling started well but slowly became disappointing as the game progressed. Numerous misfields and dropped catches proved costly, permitting the opposition to put the indian fielders under pressure. Radha Yadav was taken to the cleaners as she gave away 47 runs without taking a wicket. Deepti Sharma was the only bowler to take a wicket, finishing with figures of 1/40.
Sri Lanka’s Masterclass
The fielding and bowling were better compared to their previous match. They gave nothing away to the indian batters easily. They made early breakthroughs, including the big wicket of Shafali Verma. Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal right after a boundary was another vital moment. Despite being wicketless, Sugandika was the most economical bowler. Kavisha Dilhari took the key wickets of Shafali and Smriti, finishing with figures of 2/36. Contributions were made by Sachini Nisansala, Chamari Athapaththu, and Udeshika Prabodhani, picking up a wicket each.
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Although Vishmi Gunaratne was sent to the hut early, Chamari Athapaththu kept the momentum going with a blazing 61 off 41 balls. Despite her efforts, it was the middle order’s time to take responsibility. Harshita Samarawickrama’s knock of 69 off 51 and Kavisha Dilhari’s explosive 30 off 16 sealed the deal, guiding Sri Lanka to their maiden Asia Cup title.
Conclusion
The squad led by Chamari Athapaththu outclassed the indian side in all departments bringing their A-game to the final with minimal mistakes. Athapaththu and the girls were beaming with joy after the win, dedicating it to inspiring young girls. The player of the tournament was Athapaththu for her sensational form, while Harshita was the player of the match.
On the other hand, the Indian team did not field up to usual their standards. They were not able to capitalize on the opportunities. The dropped catch by Harmanpreet Kaur when Harshita was on 45 will haunt them for some time.
This victory will be cherished for a long time in Sri Lankan women’s cricket, while India will rectify their mistakes and hope to make a stronger comeback.
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