Sri Lanka Women Clinch Historic First Asia Cup Title
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| Sri Lanka Women Secure Historic First Asia Cup Title with Thrilling Win Over India / Getty Images |
In a historic moment for Sri Lanka Women's cricket, they secured their maiden Asia Cup title by defeating India Women by 8 wickets.
This victory marks their first win in six Asia Cup finals, while India suffered only their second defeat in nine finals. The celebration at the Dambulla stadium was euphoric, with the crowd joining the team in a memorable victory lap.
India, put in to bat, posted a challenging total of 165/6. Smriti Mandhana led with a resilient 60 off 47, supported by contributions from Richa Ghosh (29) and Jemimah Rodrigues (30). Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Kavisha Dilhari claiming two.
An innings of pure class! 🤌🏻#SmritiMandhana dazzles with a 50 off 36 balls, notching her 26th T20I fifty in the finals of the #WomensAsiaCup 2024! 🫡🔥#INDvSL | LIVE NOW | #WomensAsiaCupOnStar (Only available in India) pic.twitter.com/3hH3EMBODe
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 28, 2024
Chasing 166, Sri Lanka started shakily, losing Vishmi Gunaratne early due to a mix-up with Chamari Athapaththu. Athapaththu steadied the innings with a crucial 61 off 43, forming a vital 87-run partnership with Harshitha Madavi Samarawickrama (50*). Despite a missed opportunity by India’s Harmanpreet Kaur, Samarawickrama capitalized and steered the chase. Kavisha Dilhari’s unbeaten 30 off 16 sealed the victory with a six.
Sri Lanka’s highest successful run chase in T20Is against India highlighted their exceptional performance. This landmark win underlines Sri Lanka’s growth and resilience in women’s cricket, promising a bright future ahead.
Winning Moments !!
𝘼 𝘿𝙄𝙁𝙁𝙀𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙁𝙀𝙀𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘼𝙇𝙏𝙊𝙂𝙀𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍 💛🇱🇰#WomensAsiaCup2024 #ACC #HerStory pic.twitter.com/ExzBs79V0w
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) July 28, 2024