In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka secured their first Women’s Asia Cup title by successfully chasing down a record target. In a thrilling final held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka achieved a remarkable victory over India, setting a new benchmark in women’s T20I cricket.
Historic Chase: Sri Lanka Sets New Record
Sri Lanka’s chase of 166 runs is now the highest successful target ever achieved in a women’s T20I final. This surpasses the previous record of 149 runs set by the West Indies against Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup final. This chase also marks Sri Lanka’s highest-ever successful run chase in women’s T20Is, eclipsing their previous best of 156 runs against South Africa earlier this year.
Standout Performances: Athapaththu and Harshitha Shine
Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s captain, was instrumental in the victory, scoring 61 runs off 43 balls in the final. She ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer with a total of 304 runs, the second-highest by any woman in a T20I series or tournament. Her performance throughout the Asia Cup was crucial in securing the title for Sri Lanka.
Harshitha Samarawickrama also played a significant role, contributing with a crucial knock that complemented Athapaththu’s innings and helped steer Sri Lanka to their historic win.
Significant Records Set
Sri Lanka’s successful chase of 166 runs is the highest successful run chase in the history of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, surpassing Bangladesh’s 142-run chase against India in 2018.
Radha Yadav of India recorded the most runs conceded by a bowler in a women’s T20 Asia Cup match, giving away 47 runs in this game, which is also the third-highest total conceded by an Indian bowler in women’s T20Is.
Smriti Mandhana of India scored her 26th fifty in T20I cricket, the second-most by any woman, and also achieved her fifth fifty-plus score in T20I knockout matches, tying her with Beth Mooney for the most in this category.
A New Era for Sri Lankan Cricket
Sri Lanka’s victory in the Women’s Asia Cup marks a significant milestone in their cricketing history. The triumph not only highlights their growth and potential but also sets the stage for future successes in international cricket. With Chamari Athapaththu leading the team, Sri Lanka is poised to continue their ascent in the world of women’s cricket.
