Sri Lanka Clinches Maiden Women's T20 Asia Cup with Historic Win Over India

 

Sri Lanka Clinches Maiden Women's T20 Asia Cup with Historic Win Over India - ESPN/ACC

Sri Lanka Clinches Maiden Women's T20 Asia Cup with Historic Win Over India

Sri Lanka made history on Sunday by defeating India to secure their first-ever Women's T20 Asia Cup title. The victory came with remarkable performances from Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari, leading Sri Lanka to a dominant eight-wicket win in Dambulla.

Match Highlights

India set a competitive total of 165 for 6, led by Smriti Mandhana's 60 runs and contributions from Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues. However, Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, finishing at 167 for 2. Samarawickrama top-scored with an unbeaten 69, while Athapaththu added 61, and Dilhari chipped in with a valuable 30 not out.

Key Moments

1. Athapaththu's Aggression Against Spin:

   • Sri Lanka's chase began steadily but gained momentum in the fifth over. Athapaththu targeted the left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar, scoring 16 runs off one over. She continued her assault on the spinners, scoring 29 runs off left-arm spinners at a strike rate of 170.58.

2. Samarawickrama and Dilhari’s Partnership:

   • After Athapaththu was dismissed, Samarawickrama and Dilhari took control. Samarawickrama's unbeaten 69 was crucial, supported by Dilhari’s 30 off 16 balls. Their 73-run partnership off 40 balls sealed the victory for Sri Lanka.

3. Mandhana’s Effort in Vain:

   • Mandhana's 60 was the backbone of India's innings. Despite a shaky start, she accelerated in the powerplay and played crucial partnerships. However, her dismissal by a running catch from Athapaththu ended India’s hopes of setting an unassailable target.

4. Dilhari's All-Round Performance:

   • Dilhari was instrumental with the ball, claiming 2 wickets for 36 runs. Her crucial runs in the end further ensured a comfortable win for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Clinches Maiden Women's T20 Asia Cup with Historic Win Over India - ESPN/ACC

Celebrations and Implications

The win sparked celebrations across Sri Lanka, highlighting their cricketing prowess. The team has shown significant improvement, winning 14 out of 17 T20Is this year. This victory not only marks a milestone in their cricketing history but also boosts their confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup in October.

Sri Lanka’s success underscores the depth in their squad, reducing reliance on any single player. With this victory, they have proven themselves as a formidable force in women's cricket.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka's triumph in the Women's T20 Asia Cup is a testament to their hard work and strategic brilliance. Athapaththu's leadership, coupled with significant contributions from key players like Samarawickrama and Dilhari, has set a new benchmark for the team. As they celebrate this historic win, they also look forward to continuing their success in the upcoming T20 World Cup.