In an unexpected turn of events, the India women’s team faced a significant upset as they were ousted by Sri Lanka in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup Finals. Sri Lanka, who had never won the Asia Cup before, showcased exceptional skill and composure to defeat the defending champions and favorites, India, by eight wickets. The victory was a monumental achievement for Sri Lanka and marked a significant milestone in the history of the Women’s Asia Cup Finals.
Women’s Asia Cup Finals Overview
India’s Innings: India posted a competitive total of 165 for 6 in their 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a solid half-century, scoring 60 runs. Contributions from Richa Ghosh (30) and Jemimah Rodrigues helped India reach a respectable score.
- Total: 165/6 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Smriti Mandhana with 60 runs
- Notable Contributions: Richa Ghosh (30 runs)
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, reaching 167 for 2 in 18.4 overs. Chamari Athapaththu played a captain’s knock, scoring 61 off 43 balls. Harshitha Samarawickrama was the star of the match, remaining unbeaten on 69 off 51 balls. Kavisha Dilhari also contributed with an all-round performance, scoring 30 not out and taking 2 wickets for 36 runs.
- Total: 167/2 in 18.4 overs
- Top Scorers: Harshitha Samarawickrama (69* runs off 51 balls) and Chamari Athapaththu (61 runs)
- Notable Contributions: Kavisha Dilhari (30* runs off 16 balls)
- Best Bowler for Sri Lanka: Kavisha Dilhari with 2 wickets for 36 runs
Key Performances:
- Player of the Match: Harshitha Samarawickrama for her unbeaten 69 runs.
- Player of the Series: Chamari Athapaththu for her consistent performances throughout the tournament, amassing 304 runs and taking 3 wickets.
India’s Batting Struggles
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India had a promising start with a 44-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma. Mandhana, continuing her fine form, scored another fifty, providing a solid foundation for the innings. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers struck back with quick wickets, disrupting India’s momentum.
Key contributions came from Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh, whose cameos helped India reach a total of 165/6. Despite these efforts, the target set for Sri Lanka was modest, given the conditions and the form of the Indian batting lineup in the tournament leading up to the Women’s Asia Cup Finals.
Sri Lanka’s Response
Sri Lanka’s chase began with an early setback as a mix-up between openers Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne led to Gunaratne’s dismissal for just one run. This early wicket could have put Sri Lanka under pressure, but skipper Athapaththu steadied the innings with a sublime fifty. She formed a crucial 87-run partnership with Harshita Samarawickrama, keeping Sri Lanka on track.
Deepti Sharma managed to dismiss Athapaththu with a clever delivery, bringing India back into contention. However, Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari displayed remarkable composure, navigating through the middle overs with a calm and calculated approach.
Turning the Tide in Women’s Asia Cup Finals
The match reached a critical juncture with the run rate hovering around the 10-run mark after Athapaththu’s dismissal. Harmanpreet Kaur’s dropped catch at a crucial moment further shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor. Samarawickrama and Dilhari capitalized on the opportunity, scoring 17 runs off the 18th over, effectively turning the tide.
Sri Lanka wrapped up the chase with eight balls to spare, marking their highest-ever run chase in the shortest format. This victory not only earned them their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title but also showcased their resilience and strategic brilliance in high-pressure situations.
India Women’s Team Lose Out on the Asia Cup Only for the Second Time in History
The defeat in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup Finals marked only the second time in history that the India women’s team has lost in an Asia Cup final. Since the competition’s inception in 2004, India has dominated, winning the title seven times. Their only previous loss in a final came in 2018 when they were defeated by Bangladesh.
Historical Context and Sri Lanka’s Journey
Sri Lanka’s journey to the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup Finals was remarkable. They had been the runner-ups in the first four editions of the competition but had not reached the finals in the last 16 years. Their path to the 2024 final included a tense win over Pakistan in the semi-finals, highlighting their determination and improved performance.
Key Performances and Strategic Moves
The Women’s Asia Cup Finals of 2024 will be remembered for several key performances and strategic decisions that defined the outcome of the match.
Smriti Mandhana’s Resilience
Smriti Mandhana’s fifty was a highlight of India’s innings, demonstrating her consistency and technical prowess. Her ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships has been a crucial aspect of India’s batting strategy throughout the tournament.
Chamari Athapaththu’s Leadership
Chamari Athapaththu’s captaincy and her composed fifty were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victory. Her leadership on and off the field has been pivotal in transforming Sri Lanka into a formidable team capable of challenging the best in the Women’s Asia Cup Finals.
Harshita Samarawickrama’s Steadfastness
Harshita Samarawickrama’s performance under pressure showcased her maturity and ability to handle high-stakes situations. Her partnership with Athapaththu and subsequent steady play with Dilhari were key to Sri Lanka’s successful chase.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on Women’s Cricket
The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup Finals have far-reaching implications for women’s cricket in Asia and beyond. Sri Lanka’s victory is likely to inspire a new generation of cricketers in the region, highlighting the growing competitiveness and talent in women’s cricket.
Empowering Young Cricketers
This historic win by Sri Lanka will undoubtedly motivate young girls in the country to pursue cricket professionally. It demonstrates that with dedication and hard work, achieving success on the international stage is possible.
Increasing Viewership and Support
The thrilling match and the unexpected outcome of the Women’s Asia Cup Finals are likely to boost viewership and support for women’s cricket. As more fans engage with the sport, it will lead to increased investment, better infrastructure, and more opportunities for women cricketers.
Enhancing Competitiveness
Sri Lanka’s win also underscores the increasing competitiveness of women’s cricket in Asia. With teams like Sri Lanka challenging traditional powerhouses like India, the overall standard of the game is set to rise, leading to more exciting and unpredictable tournaments in the future.
Conclusion | Women’s Asia Cup Finals
The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup Finals will be remembered as a turning point in women’s cricket. Sri Lanka’s historic victory over India has opened a new chapter, signaling the rise of new contenders and the increasing competitiveness of the sport. The Women’s Asia Cup Finals have not only provided thrilling cricketing action but have also highlighted the potential and talent that exists in women’s cricket.
As the dust settles on this memorable tournament, the focus now shifts to the future. The impact of Sri Lanka’s triumph will be felt for years to come, inspiring cricketers, fans, and stakeholders to continue pushing the boundaries and striving for excellence in women’s cricket. The Women’s Asia Cup Finals have once again proven that the spirit of cricket is alive and thriving, with every match adding to the rich tapestry of the sport’s history.
