Sri Lanka Wins Maiden Women's Asia Cup Title with Win Over India
In a historic turn of events, Sri Lanka claimed their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title with a resounding victory over India, delighting their home fans with an exceptional run chase. The triumph not only marked a monumental achievement for the Sri Lankan team but also highlighted their remarkable progress in women’s cricket.
A Glorious Victory
On a bright Sunday, Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team scripted history by securing their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title, delivering a memorable performance that will be cherished for years to come. This victory came after India had dominated the tournament with eight previous titles out of nine final appearances, making Sri Lanka’s win even more significant.
The Stars of the Show
The final match saw stellar performances from Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, whose contributions were pivotal in Sri Lanka’s triumph. Athapaththu, the experienced skipper, scored a vital 61 runs, setting the stage for her team. Meanwhile, Samarawickrama played a match-winning knock, remaining unbeaten at 69, guiding Sri Lanka to victory with poise and determination.
The Match Unfolds
India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss and elected to bat first. The Indian innings started on a positive note, with contributions from Smriti Mandhana, who scored a brisk 60 off 47 balls. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers made crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, dismissing key Indian batters like Shafali Verma (16), Uma Chetry (9), and Harmanpreet Kaur (11).
Despite the setbacks, India’s middle order steadied the ship, with Jemimah Rodrigues adding 29 runs and Richa Ghosh playing a cameo of 30 off 14 balls, propelling India to a competitive total of 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
The Chase Begins
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a rocky start, losing Vishmi Gunaratne early for just 1 run. However, Chamari Athapaththu’s experience and composure came to the fore as she anchored the innings, receiving solid support from Harshitha Samarawickrama. The pair navigated the initial overs cautiously, scoring 28 runs in the first five overs before launching a counter-attack.
A crucial over saw Sri Lanka plunder 16 runs, shifting the momentum in their favor. Athapaththu and Samarawickrama continued to build the innings, maintaining a steady run rate. Even after Athapaththu’s dismissal in the 12th over, Sri Lanka remained on course, thanks to Samarawickrama’s unwavering presence at the crease.
The Final Flourish
Samarawickrama found an able partner in Kavisha Dilhari, who played a quickfire knock of 30 off 16 balls. The duo ensured that there were no further hiccups as they steered Sri Lanka to victory, reaching the target in the 19th over. Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 69 earned her the Player of the Match award, while Athapaththu was rightfully named the Player of the Tournament for her outstanding all-round performance, scoring 304 runs and taking three wickets throughout the event.
Year | Format | Winner |
2004 | ODI | India |
2005-06 | ODI | India |
2006 | ODI | India |
2008 | ODI | India |
2012 | T20I | India |
2016 | T20I | India |
2018 | T20I | Bangladesh |
2022 | T20I | India |
2024 | T20I | Sri Lanka |
A New Chapter in Sri Lankan Women's Cricket
This victory is not just a milestone for the team but a testament to their hard work, resilience, and growth over the years. Earlier this year, Sri Lanka also won the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, securing their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Additionally, they achieved a commendable 2-1 series win over South Africa away from home, showcasing their rising prowess in international cricket.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s maiden Women’s Asia Cup title is a moment of immense pride and joy for the nation. The team’s journey, filled with perseverance and determination, has finally borne fruit, and their victory serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country. As they bask in the glory of their historic win, Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team has undoubtedly etched their names in the books of cricketing history, promising an exciting future ahead.