In a landmark victory, Sri Lanka clinched their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title by defeating India by eight wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India set a competitive target of 165 for 6, with significant contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh. Mandhana anchored the innings with a solid 60 off 47 balls, which included 10 boundaries, providing a sturdy foundation. India’s aggressive start saw them at 44 without loss by the end of the powerplay, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers, spearheaded by Kavisha Dilhari (2/36), staged a commendable fightback.
Despite the middle-order stumbles, a late surge from Ghosh, who scored a quickfire 30 off 14 balls with four boundaries and a six, helped India surpass the 150-run mark, setting up a formidable total.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase was spearheaded by Chamari Athapaththu and Harshita Samarawickrama. Athapaththu’s explosive 61 laid the groundwork for the pursuit. Although her dismissal in the 12th over put Sri Lanka under some pressure, Harshita, who had earlier fumbled two catches, redeemed herself with a scintillating counter-attack.
Harshita’s unbeaten 69 off 50 balls, featuring two sixes and six fours, coupled with Dilhari’s swift 30 off 16 balls, ensured Sri Lanka’s comfortable victory in the penultimate over, much to the delight of the home crowd.
India’s playing XI featured Smriti Mandhana, Shefali Verma, Uma Chetry, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar, and Renuka Thakur Singh.
Sri Lanka’s victorious squad included Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wicketkeeper), Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Udeshika Prabodhani, and Sachini Nisansala.
This historic win marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, highlighting their growth and competitiveness in women’s cricket on the Asian stage.
