SL stun India in Women’s Asia Cup

Sri Lanka stunned India by eight wickets to win their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup 2024 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Batting first after winning the toss, Smriti Mandhana (60) and Richa Ghosh (30) fired as India posted 165 for 6 against Sri Lanka.

Mandhana dropped anchor to make 60 from 47 balls (10 fours) as she led a resolute fight for India.

India had raced to 44 for no loss at the end of powerplay but Sri Lanka bowlers, led by Kavisha Dilhari (2/36), put up a strong fight.

Towards the end, Ghosh’s vital 30 off 14 balls with four fours and a six took India past the 150-run mark.

However, a tremendous chase led by Chamari Athapaththu, Harshita Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari propelled Sri Lanka to the title in the 19th over.

Sri Lanka found themselves in a spot of bother when Athapaththu fell for 61 at the end of the 12th over. However, Harshita, who had dropped two catches on the field, redeemed herself with a terrific counter-attacking half-century. Aided by Dilhari’s lusty hits, the duo led the side home amidst a packed Dambulla crowd.

Harshita remained unbeaten at 50-ball 69 which included two sixes and six fours. Dilhari remained not out at 16-ball 30.

Match Summary

India: 165 for 6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 60, Richa Ghosh 30; Kavisha Dilhari 2/36) Sri Lanka: 166 for 2 in 19 overs (Harshita Samarawickrama 69*, Chamari Athapaththu 61; Renuka Thakur Singh 1/30)

Playing XIs

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shefali Verma, Uma Chetry, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar, Renuka Thakur Singh.

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sachini Nisansala.