IND-W vs SL-W

Sri Lanka Stuns India: A Historic Win in Women's Asia Cup T20 2024!

In a nail-biting final, Sri Lanka clinches their first Women's Asia Cup title by defeating India! Catch all the highlights here!

In a thrilling finale that will echo through the annals of women's cricket history, Sri Lanka Women's cricket team dished out a stunning performance against the Indian team, defeating them by 8 wickets in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024. The match took place on July 28, 2024, at Dambulla, and it was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for cricket fans. Despite being the favorites, the Indian squad faced an uphill battle, faltering in their quest for the coveted title. Star player Smriti Mandhana showcased her prowess with a commendable fifty, but it just wasn’t enough to secure a win for her team.

The Sri Lankan side, led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, put on a remarkable show, chasing down the target of 166 runs with ease. Athapaththu scored 61 runs, showcasing her reliability under immense pressure. Partnering her was Harshitha Samarawickrama, who remained unbeaten at 69, stitching together a partnership that kept the Sri Lankan hopes alive and kicking. Together, they guided their team to a glorious victory, marking a historic moment as Sri Lanka claimed their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title. There was notable excitement in the air as fans witnessed their team putting an end to India’s dominance in the tournament.

As the game progressed, the turning point came when India, batting first, ended their innings with a total of 165 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. While Mandhana led the charge, the Indian middle order couldn't capitalize on the strong start, with Dilhari from Sri Lanka performing brilliantly with the ball by taking 2 wickets for 36 runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers executed a perfect game plan, repeatedly disrupting the Indian innings and applying pressure. As India’s innings closed, fans were holding their breath, fully aware that the chase by Sri Lanka was far from impossible.

With Sri Lanka now celebrating a historic first title, India faces a period of reflection as they regroup ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup later in the year. It’s back to the drawing board for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team as they look to find their footing again. Interestingly, this final showcased the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket, demonstrating that teams like Sri Lanka can indeed challenge and defeat heavyweights like India.

Fun Fact: Did you know that this win marks Sri Lanka's entry into the elite club of Women’s Asia Cup champions? Cricket in Sri Lanka has been on the rise, with more women being encouraged to take up the sport, fueling this historic victory!

Another interesting tidbit: Smriti Mandhana's fifty puts her among India's highest run-scorers in Asia Cup history, but it's clear that records can be broken and new champions can emerge, adding even more excitement to the world of women's cricket!