In a historic match at the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against India, claiming their maiden Asia Cup title with an impressive chase. Led by the stellar performances of skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka chased down a formidable target of 166, marking their highest T20 International chase ever.
A Thrilling Finale and Record Chase
The final was a spectacle of high-energy cricket, with the stadium buzzing with excitement. India posted a competitive total of 166, anchored by Smriti Mandhana’s fifty and valuable contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh. India’s new-ball bowlers began strongly, putting immediate pressure on Sri Lanka. A miscommunication led to the run-out of opener Vishmi Gunaratne, leaving Sri Lanka at a precarious 28 for 1 after the first five overs.
However, the game took a turn as Athapaththu launched an aggressive attack in the last over of the powerplay, scoring 16 runs off Kanwar’s over. This momentum shift was pivotal as Athapaththu and Samarawickrama constructed an 87-run partnership, bringing Sri Lanka back into the contest.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Chamari Athapaththu’s aggressive 61 off 43 balls set the foundation, but it was Harshitha Samarawickrama’s steady hand that guided the chase. Despite Athapaththu’s dismissal by Deepti Sharma, which momentarily tilted the balance back to India, Samarawickrama held firm. She found support in Dilhari, who played a fluent knock, scoring 30 off 16 balls.
A crucial moment came when Samarawickrama, on 45, was dropped by Harmanpreet Kaur, a mistake that proved costly for India. Harshitha remained unbeaten on 69 off 51 balls, steering Sri Lanka to victory with eight balls to spare. This match also marked the first instance in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history where both teams scored over 150 runs.
India’s Struggle Despite a Strong Start
India’s innings was a rollercoaster of missed opportunities and crucial moments. They managed to score 166 despite a shaky start, losing key wickets early. Mandhana’s fifty provided stability, but it was the cameos from Rodrigues and Ghosh that propelled India to a competitive total. However, their fielding lapses and miscommunications, including several dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities, ultimately undermined their efforts.
Sri Lanka capitalized on these mistakes, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure. Their victory not only marked their first Asia Cup title but also highlighted their growth and potential in women’s cricket.
The victory was celebrated with much enthusiasm, as the Sri Lankan players stood hand in hand, applauding the supportive crowd. This win, coming after six finals, was a testament to their perseverance and teamwork. The electrifying atmosphere in the stadium reflected the significance of this achievement for Sri Lankan cricket.
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