Dambulla: Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 69 and skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s blistering half-century powered Sri Lanka Women to their first Women’s Asia Cup title with a stunning eight-wicket victory over seven-time champions India at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
After India posted a competitive 165/6, courtesy of Smriti Mandhana’s 60 off 47 balls and a late cameo by Richa Ghosh (30 off 14), Sri Lanka chased down the target in 18.4 overs, reaching 167/2. Samarawickrama and Athapaththu’s crucial knocks ensured a historic win for the hosts.
Sri Lanka’s run chase began on a shaky note with Vishmi Gunaratne being run out early. However, Athapaththu (61 off 43 balls) and Samarawickrama steadied the innings with a pivotal 87-run partnership for the second wicket. Athapaththu’s aggressive approach, featuring nine fours and two sixes, laid the foundation for the chase before she was bowled by Deepti Sharma.
With 72 runs needed off the last eight overs, Samarawickrama took charge, crafting an unbeaten 69-run knock. Her composure under pressure, along with Kavisha Dilhari’s quickfire 30 off 16 balls, ensured Sri Lanka reached the target with eight balls to spare.
India, opting to bat first, set a strong total with Mandhana’s scintillating 60 off 47 balls leading the charge. Despite middle-order setbacks, contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (29 off 16) and Ghosh (30 off 14) kept the momentum alive.
Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Kavisha Dilhari (2-36), Udeshika Prabodhani, and Sachini Nisansala, effectively contained India’s powerful batting lineup.
