By SRI LANKAN players celebrate with the trophy after defeating India in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.—courtesy SLC
DAMBULLA: In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Captain Chamari Athapaththu’s explosive fifty, paired with Harshitha Samarawickrama’s solid half-century, propelled Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory over defending champions India, securing their first Women’s T20 Asia Cup title on Sunday. This defeat marks only the second time in nine Asia Cup editions that India has lost a final.
Chasing a challenging target of 166, Sri Lanka, led by Athapaththu and Samarawickrama, achieved 167-2 in 18.4 overs. The dynamic duo added 87 runs, keeping the hosts consistently ahead in the chase.
Athapaththu reached her fifty in just 33 balls, showcasing her aggressive style, while Samarawickrama, though less powerful, excelled in strategic placements and crossed the fifty mark in 43 balls. Samarawickrama increased the tempo when Sri Lanka was in a safe zone, hitting a slog-swept six before Athapaththu was bowled.
Samarawickrama then partnered with Kavisha Dilhari, adding 73 runs off 40 balls for the unbeaten third wicket, guiding their team to victory.
Earlier, the Sri Lankan bowlers effectively restrained India’s typically free-flowing batters. Despite Smriti Mandhana’s half-century, which powered India to a competitive 165-6, the Sri Lankan spinners maintained tight control.
Mandhana reached her fifty in 36 balls and partnered with Jemimah Rodrigues to add 41 runs off 25 balls for the fourth wicket. However, the run-out of Rodrigues and Mandhana’s dismissal left India at 133-5 in 16.5 overs. Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar then added 31 runs for the sixth wicket, pushing India past the 160-run mark, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling and strategic batting earned them a historic victory, marking a significant achievement in their cricketing history.
