There was a stat that flashed on the screen – Chamari Athapaththu had scored almost 50 per cent of Sri Lanka’s runs in the just-concluded Asia Cup. The Sri Lankan stalwart continued to be her team’s fulcrum (43-ball 61) as Sri Lanka created history by sealing their maiden Asia Cup triumph with an eight-wicket win over India. The talented Harshitha Samarawickrama also played her part with a 51-ball unbeaten 69.
In pursuit of a competitive target of 168, Sri Lanka had started on the wrong note, losing Vishmi Gunaratne in the first over via a run out. Until the 5th over, India seemed to have the ascendancy. It was the sixth over that gave Sri Lanka the required momentum, with Chamari cracking a six and a four off Tanuja Kanwer.
Chamari continued to play with freedom, smacking Radha Yadav via long-on. Meanwhile, Harshitha also showcased some improvisation with a reverse-hit off the same bowler. She also completed her fifty with a four off Renuka Singh. In the 12th over, Deepti Sharma then lifted India’s sagging spirits by castling Chamari. Just that, Kavisha Dilhari and Harshitha put paid to India’s hopes with an unbeaten, game-breaking stand of 73.
Radha Yadav, in particular, came in for some punishment. In the 18th over, Harshitha landed two boundaries and a six off the spinner to more or less assure Sri Lanka of a famous win. Kavisha then provided the finishing touches with a superb six off Pooja Vastrakar. On expected lines, Kavisha was down on her knees after essaying the winning shot. Her teammates ran towards the batting duo and hugged them. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan fans had plenty to celebrate in the stands.
Earlier, Smriti Mandhana made her presence felt with a 47-ball 60. The salient feature of her knock was the way she picked the length of the spinners to play off the back foot. She scored 10 boundaries in her elegant knock. Jemimah Rodrigues (29 runs) and Richa Ghosh (14-ball undefeated 30) also played pivotal roles.
Richa took a heavy toll off Kavisha in the 19th over by landing some meaty blows. Unfortunately for India, it didn’t prove to be enough. They have a lot of soul-searching to do ahead of the World Cup in Bangladesh. Harmanpreet Kaur dropping a sitter to give Harshitha a reprieve illustrates the point. On the other hand, Kavisha took a couple of wickets, in addition to her fine knock with a bat in hand.