follow us:
The final of the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 witnessed a thrilling clash between India and Sri Lanka, with the hosts emerging victorious by eight wickets to claim their first-ever continental title. Chasing a challenging target of 166 set by India, Sri Lanka showcased their batting prowess, led by the dynamic duo of captain Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama.
The final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 witnessed a thrilling clash between India and Sri Lanka, with the hosts emerging victorious by eight wickets to claim their first-ever continental title. Chasing a challenging target of 166 set by India, Sri Lanka showcased their batting prowess, led by the dynamic duo of captain Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama.
Athapaththu, known for her aggressive batting style, set the tone for Sri Lanka’s chase with a blistering knock of 61 runs off just 49 deliveries. Her innings included 9 boundaries and 1 six, as she took the fight to the Indian bowlers. Despite losing an early wicket, Athapaththu’s onslaught kept Sri Lanka in the hunt, building a solid foundation for the chase.
As Athapaththu departed, Harshitha Samarawickrama stepped up to take control of the innings. The young batswoman played a mature innings, rotating the strike and finding the boundaries at crucial moments. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 69 off 51 balls, smashing 8 fours and 1 six, guiding Sri Lanka to a comfortable victory with 8 balls to spare.
Earlier, India had posted a competitive total of 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a well-crafted half-century by Smriti Mandhana. The left-handed opener scored 60 runs off 47 balls, laced with 10 boundaries, anchoring the Indian innings. Richa Ghosh also made a valuable contribution with a quickfire 30 off just 16 deliveries, propelling India to a strong total.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Kavisha Dilhari (7 wickets in the tournament at an economy of 5.35), kept the Indian batters in check, not allowing them to break free. The hosts’ fielding also stood out, with some brilliant catches and run-outs that kept the pressure on the defending champions.
The victory marks a historic moment for Sri Lankan women’s cricket, as they clinch their maiden Asia Cup title. Chamari Athapaththu’s leadership and the team’s collective effort proved too strong for the mighty Indians, who suffered their first defeat in the tournament.
As the curtain falls on the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, Sri Lanka’s triumph will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of cricketers in the island nation, while India will look to bounce back stronger, determined to reclaim their continental supremacy in the future.
