The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup has once again showcased the growing strength and competitiveness of women’s cricket in the region. While seven-time champions India have lived up to their reputation, displaying exceptional skill and teamwork in their journey to the final, hosts Sri Lanka have remained unbeaten in their campaign.
India is likely to face a formidable challenge in the form of a determined Sri Lankan side, eager to claim their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, pitting India’s experience and track record against Sri Lanka’s hunger for a historic victory. As both teams prepare for this crucial match, cricket fans across Asia and beyond eagerly anticipate a display of high-quality cricket that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and popularity of the women’s game. Ahead of the final, here’s a brief recap into Sri Lanka’s road to the final.
Group Stage:
Match 1: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka secured a commanding 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 season opener, led by Vishmi Gunaratne’s impressive 51 runs. Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoshi Priyadharshani shone with the ball, while Harshitha Madavi also contributed a useful 33 runs. Despite Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s unbeaten 48, her team failed to post a competitive total, allowing Sri Lanka to chase down the target of 111 comfortably in 17.1 overs.
Match 2: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia
Sri Lanka dominated Malaysia with a massive 144-run win in their 2nd match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, led by captain Chamari Athapaththu’s explosive unbeaten 119 off 69 balls. Her innings propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable 184/4. The Sri Lankan bowlers then dismantled Malaysia for just 40 runs, with Shashini Gimhani taking 3 wickets. This comprehensive victory secured Sri Lanka’s top position in Group B and a spot in the knockouts.
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Match 3: Sri Lanka vs Thailand
In their 3rd Women’s Asia Cup 2024 match, Sri Lanka’s bowlers restricted Thailand to 93/7, despite Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s resilient 47*. Sri Lankan openers Vishmi Gunaratne (39*) and Chamari Athapaththu (49*) then chased down the required in just 11.3 overs, securing a 10-wicket victory. This win propelled Sri Lanka into the semi-final, with Athapaththu named Player of the Match for her all-round efforts of 49*(35) and 1/15 (3).
Knockouts:
Semi-Final 1: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
In their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 semi-final, Sri Lanka bowled first against Pakistan, who posted 140 runs with Muneeba Ali (37) top-scoring. In their chase, Sri Lanka struggled initially but captain Chamari Athapaththu’s 63 off 48 balls guided them to victory. Despite Sadia Iqbal’s impressive 4-16, Sri Lanka won, with Athapaththu claiming her third consecutive Player of the Match award in the tournament, helping Sri Lanka qualify for the Women’s Asia Cup final.
Sri Lanka has shown remarkable progress and determination throughout the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Led by the outstanding performances of captain Chamari Athapaththu and supported by a well-balanced team effort, Sri Lanka has emerged as a formidable force in the tournament.
Their journey to the final, marked by convincing victories and resilient displays, has not only boosted their confidence but also signaled their rising status in Asian women’s cricket. As they prepare to face India in the final, Sri Lanka stands on the cusp of potentially clinching their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title.