DAMBULLA: Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team, led by Captain Chamari Athapaththu, secured a remarkable eight-wicket victory over defending champions India to claim their first Women’s T20 Asia Cup title. The final, held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday, marked only the second time India has lost a final in the nine editions of the Asia Cup across formats.
Chasing a target of 166, Sri Lanka reached 167-2 in 18.4 overs, with standout performances from Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The duo added 87 runs for the second wicket, keeping the hosts in control throughout the chase. Athapaththu’s explosive fifty came off 33 balls, showcasing her ability to score all around the field. Samarawickrama complemented her with a measured half-century off 43 balls, using clever placements despite lacking the same power.
After Athapaththu was dismissed, Samarawickrama found support in Kavisha Dilhari. Together, they added 73 runs off just 40 balls for the third wicket, ensuring Sri Lanka’s victory.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka’s bowlers effectively restricted India’s strong batting lineup. Despite a fighting half-century from Smriti Mandhana, who scored 50 off 36 balls, India managed only 165-6. Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh provided some support, but tight bowling from Sri Lanka’s spinners kept India’s run rate in check.
Mandhana and Rodrigues put on a 41-run partnership off 25 balls for the fourth wicket, but the run out of Rodrigues and Mandhana’s dismissal left India struggling at 133-5 in 16.5 overs. Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar then added 31 runs for the sixth wicket, pushing India past the 160-run mark.
Sri Lanka’s victory in this final is a historic moment for their women’s cricket team and a significant achievement in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
