Sri Lanka stunned India by eight wickets to win their first-ever Women's Asia Cup 2024 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
Batting first after winning the toss, Smriti Mandhana (60) and Richa Ghosh (30) fired as India posted 165 for 6 against Sri Lanka.
Mandhana dropped anchor to make 60 from 47 balls (10 fours) as she led a resolute fight for India.
India had raced to 44 for no loss at the end of powerplay but Sri Lanka bowlers, led by Kavisha Dilhari (2/36), put up a strong fight.
Towards the end, Ghosh’s vital 30 off 14 balls with four fours and a six took India past the 150-run mark.
However, a tremendous chase led by Chamari Athapaththu, Harshita Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari propelled Sri Lanka to the title in the 19th over.
Sri Lanka found themselves in a spot of bother when Athapaththu fell for 61 at the end of the 12th over. However, Harshita, who had dropped two catches on the field, redeemed herself with a terrific counter-attacking half-century. Aided by Dilhari’s lusty hits, the duo led the side home amidst a packed Dambulla crowd.
Harshita remained unbeaten at 50-ball 69 which included two sixes and six fours. Dilhari remained not out at 16-ball 30.
Playing XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shefali Verma, Uma Chetry, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar, Renuka Thakur Singh
Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sachini Nisansala
