Historic Triumph: Sri Lanka Women Clinch First-Ever Asia Cup Title Against India
In a landmark event for Sri Lankan cricket, the national women’s team secured their maiden Women’s Asia Cup T20 title by defeating the India Women’s National Cricket Team by eight wickets on July 28, 2024, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. This victory not only ended India’s dominance in the tournament but also marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history.
Match Overview
- Event: Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024 Final
- Date: July 28, 2024
- Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
- Result: Sri Lanka Women won by 8 wickets
- Player of the Match: Harshitha Samarawickrama (69* off 51 balls)
- Player of the Series: Chamari Athapaththu (304 runs, 3 wickets)
India Women’s Innings: Setting a Competitive Total
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the India Women’s National Cricket Team posted a total of 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Smriti Mandhana, who scored a fluent 60 off 47 deliveries, including 10 boundaries. Her partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues (29 off 16) and a late surge from Richa Ghosh (30 off 14) propelled India to a competitive score.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to contain the scoring rate effectively. Kavisha Dilhari was instrumental, claiming 2 wickets for 36 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Mandhana. Chamari Athapaththu and Sachini Nisansala also contributed with a wicket each, ensuring India couldn’t accelerate further in the death overs.
Sri Lanka Women’s Chase: A Commanding Performance
Chasing 166 for victory, Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Vishmi Gunaratne. However, captain Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama steadied the ship with a formidable 87-run partnership. Athapaththu’s aggressive 61 off 43 balls set the tone, while Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 69 ensured Sri Lanka remained on course.
Kavisha Dilhari joined Samarawickrama after Athapaththu’s dismissal and contributed an unbeaten 30 off just 16 balls. Their unbroken 73-run stand guided Sri Lanka to victory with eight balls to spare, finishing at 167/2 in 18.4 overs.
Key Performers
- Chamari Athapaththu: Leading from the front, Athapaththu’s all-round performance throughout the tournament earned her the Player of the Series award. Her 61 in the final was pivotal in setting up the chase.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama: Her composed and unbeaten 69 in the final earned her the Player of the Match accolade, showcasing her ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
- Kavisha Dilhari: Contributed significantly with both bat and ball, taking 2 crucial wickets and scoring a quickfire 30* to seal the win.
Strategic Insights
Sri Lanka’s victory was a result of meticulous planning and execution. Their bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, preventing India from capitalizing in the final overs. The batting lineup displayed resilience and adaptability, with key partnerships ensuring a steady chase.
India, despite setting a challenging total, struggled to contain the flow of runs during Sri Lanka’s innings. The absence of breakthroughs in the middle overs allowed Sri Lanka to build momentum, ultimately leading to India’s defeat.
Historical Significance
This win marks Sri Lanka’s first Women’s Asia Cup title, breaking India’s longstanding dominance in the tournament. It reflects the growth and development of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka and serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Where to Watch
For fans interested in watching the highlights and full match replay of the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women final, the match is available on:
- Star Sports Network: Television broadcast
- Disney+ Hotstar: Online streaming platform
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s triumph in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024 final is a testament to their determination, skill, and strategic acumen. Overcoming a formidable Indian side, they have etched their names in cricketing history, setting a new benchmark for excellence in women’s cricket.
*Keywords: india women’s national cricket team vs sri lanka women match scorecard, india women vs sri lanka women, where to watch india women’s national cricket team vs sri lanka women, ind w vs sl w, sl w vs ind w, harmanpreet kaur, indw vs slw, sl-w vs indw, where to watch sri lanka women vs india women’s national cricket team, chamari athapaththu, india women’s national cricket team, ind vs sl women, ind vs sl.*
