Sri Lanka Clinches Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Title with Win Over India

Heartbreak for Harmanpreet’s India as Sri Lanka Wins Maiden Women’s Asia Cup Title

In a dramatic finale at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka claimed their first Women’s Asia Cup title by defeating India by eight wickets. The victory was achieved thanks to impressive performances by Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, who guided Sri Lanka to a historic win.

Sri Lanka’s Road to Victory

Sri Lanka’s path to glory was not easy. Despite India’s dominance in the group stage and a strong semi-final performance against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka rose to the challenge. The match saw dramatic shifts, with Sri Lanka chasing down a target of 166 runs set by India.

India’s Strong Start and Middle Overs Struggles

India started well, setting a target of 166 for six in their allotted overs. Smriti Mandhana played a pivotal role, scoring 60 runs off 47 balls, including 10 boundaries. Her partnership with the opening batswoman laid a strong foundation for the Indian innings.

However, the middle order struggled to build on this momentum. Uma Chetry and Harmanpreet Kaur faltered, but Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh provided crucial runs. Rodrigues scored 29 runs off 16 balls, while Ghosh added 30 runs off 14 balls. Despite this effort, Sri Lankan bowlers like Kavisha Dilhari (2/36) and others maintained pressure throughout.

Athapaththu and Samarawickrama Shine for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s run-chase started with a hiccup as Vishmi Gunaratne was run out early. Nevertheless, Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama steadied the innings with a 87-run partnership for the second wicket. Athapaththu scored a swift 61 off 43 balls, while Samarawickrama remained unbeaten with 69 runs off 52 balls.

Deepti Sharma eventually dismissed Athapaththu, but Sri Lanka still needed 72 runs from the last eight overs. Samarawickrama’s performance was crucial, and her unbeaten knock led Sri Lanka to victory with eight balls to spare. Dilhari also contributed with an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls.

Historical Significance and Future Outlook

This win marks a significant achievement for Sri Lankan women’s cricket, ending a four-match losing streak against India in the Women’s Asia Cup finals. The last time India lost in the finals was in 2018, against Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka’s victory not only adds a new chapter to their cricketing history but also sets a precedent for future tournaments. As for India, this loss is a setback, but the team’s performance throughout the tournament was commendable, showcasing their strength and resilience.

Conclusion:

Sri Lanka’s triumph in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is a testament to their hard work and perseverance. With standout performances from Athapaththu and Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka has etched their name in the annals of cricket history. For India, it’s a moment of reflection and regrouping as they look ahead to future challenges.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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