Sri Lanka Triumphs Over India to Clinch Maiden Women's Asia Cup Title

Sri Lanka Stuns India with Eight-Wicket Victory

In a historic showdown at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka claimed their first Women's Asia Cup title, defeating India by eight wickets. Despite India setting a competitive target of 165/6 in 20 overs, Sri Lanka's dynamic duo, Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, spearheaded a stunning chase, reaching 167/2 with eight balls to spare.

India's Competitive Start

India's innings began on a solid note, with Smriti Mandhana leading the charge. Mandhana's fluent half-century and Richa Ghosh's explosive cameo of 30 from 14 balls helped India post a respectable total. Despite losing wickets at crucial intervals, India's aggressive batting in the death overs ensured a par score of 165. However, Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling kept India's momentum in check, preventing a larger total.

Sri Lanka's Resilient Response

Sri Lanka's reply mirrored India's powerplay performance, with skipper Chamari Athapaththu anchoring the innings. Her 61 off 43 balls laid a solid foundation. The turning point came when Harshitha Samarawickrama, who had earlier dropped two catches, redeemed herself with an unbeaten 69. Alongside Kavisha Dilhari, who contributed a valuable 30, Harshitha ensured a smooth chase despite the pressure of the final.

Key Moments in the Chase

Athapaththu's partnership with Harshitha was pivotal, adding 87 runs and keeping the chase on track. After Athapaththu's departure, Harshitha accelerated, taking calculated risks and capitalizing on India's fielding lapses. Her 43-ball fifty was instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking. The decisive moment came in the 17th over when Harshitha smashed 17 runs off Radha Yadav, effectively sealing the match. Dilhari's six in the 19th over clinched the historic win, sending the packed Dambulla crowd into raptures.

Score Summary

India: 165/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 60, Richa Ghosh 30, Jemimah Rodrigues 29; Kavisha Dilhari 2-36)

Sri Lanka: 167/2 in 18.4 overs (Harshitha Samarawickrama 69*, Chamari Athapaththu 61, Kavisha Dilhari 30*; Deepti Sharma 1-30)

Sri Lanka's maiden Women's Asia Cup victory marks a significant milestone, highlighting the team's growth and resilience. The emphatic win against the seven-time champions India underscores a new era in women's cricket, promising exciting times ahead for Sri Lankan cricket fans. Player of the tournament was awarded to Chamari Athapaththu and Player of the match was awarded to Harshitha Samarawickrama.