Can Sri Lanka turn tables on India in sixth final meet-up?
For the sixth time, the Sri Lanka women’s team stands on the brink of a historic achievement as they face the formidable Indian women’s team in the Asia Cup final today at Dambulla. The match starts at 3:00pm.
In their previous five attempts, Sri Lanka has found themselves outmatched by their neighbors, who have clinched the title with relative ease. However, this time around, Chamari Athapaththu’s team is brimming with confidence and determination, aiming to rewrite history in front of a supportive home crowd.
The fans have turned out in numbers, filling grand stand with a sea of blue and yellow, creating an electrifying atmosphere that the players hope will inspire them to victory.
Throughout the tournament, the Sri Lankan team has shown immense resilience and spirit. Their journey to the final was marked by a nail-biting victory over Pakistan in the semi-final on Friday, a testament to their tenacity and grit. A win against India, one of the most dominant teams in women’s cricket, would not only be a monumental achievement for the team but also a fitting tribute to their captain, Athapaththu. She has been a trailblazer for Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket, putting the team on the world map with her explosive performances.
Athapaththu, 34, has led from the front with a blend of experience and aggression. She is the leading run-scorer of the tournament, amassing 243 runs in four innings, including a century and a half-century. Her aggressive batting style and leadership have been crucial to the team’s success, and much will depend on her ability to navigate the formidable Indian bowling attack. Alongside Athapaththu, young opener Vishmi Gunaratne and the dependable Harshitha Samarawickrama have been consistent with the bat, providing the team with solid starts and crucial runs in the middle overs.
On the bowling front, Sri Lanka has been well-served by the likes of Kavisha Dilhari, Udeshika Prabodhani, and Inoshi Fernando. Dilhari has been in good form, leading the bowling charts for Sri Lanka with seven wickets in four matches. Her accurate off-spin and ability to pick up crucial wickets have been instrumental in restricting opponents to manageable totals. Prabodhani and Fernando have also chipped in with crucial wickets, each claiming four wickets apiece, ensuring a balanced and effective bowling attack.
Athapaththu’s captaincy has been marked by her fighting spirit, qualities that have inspired her teammates to elevate their performances. This final represents not just a chance to win a prestigious title but also an opportunity to celebrate and support these women cricketers who are making their mark on the international stage.
“Undoubtedly India is a top side. If batting, first you need to get over 175 runs and if chasing you should have the ability to chase anything over 175 to beat them. They are a vastly experienced side capable of changing a match within few balls,” said Sri Lanka skipper ahead of the final.
On the other side, India women’s team has been in scintillating form, combining the experience of seasoned campaigners with the exuberance of youth. Under the astute leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team has navigated the tournament with confidence and flair. Their batting lineup is one of the most formidable in the world, featuring the explosive Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma at the top. Mandhana, with 113 runs in three innings, including a top score of 79, and Verma, with 184 runs in four games, including a highest score of 81, have been in exceptional form, providing India with blistering starts.
In the middle order, the likes of Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma have anchored the innings, ensuring stability and consistency. Sharma, in particular, has been a standout performer, not only with the bat but also with the ball. She is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, with nine wickets in four games, showcasing her versatility and skill. Renuka Singh has also been a key figure in the bowling department, taking seven wickets, which places her on par with Sri Lanka’s Dilhari in the tournament’s wicket charts.
As the teams take the field this afternoon, all eyes will be on the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, where history is waiting to be made. Will it be Sri Lanka or India yet again who are eyeing their eighth title?
| Squads | |
| India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (Capt), Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Ama Kanchana, Udeshika Prabodani, Vishmi Gunarathne, Kawya Kavindi, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasooriya, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani |