It shouldn’t come as an overstatement to say that Team India were simply complacent against a resurgent Sri Lankan unit, who have upstaged the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team to win their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title. After the first innings, it looked like India will take their eighth title home. However, poor fielding and below average bowling costed them the match with 8 balls to spare.
With the Women’s T20 World Cup only a couple of months away, this loss has certainly come as a reality check for the women in blue. They were clear favorites to win the bout but were outplayed by their own nerves.
Mandhana’s 60 the only positive in 1st innings
India, batting first in a tense Asia Cup final, set a challenging total of 165/6. While it wasn’t a commanding total, the visitors would’ve thought to defend it down. The Indian innings was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams contributing to a thrilling spectacle.
Smriti Mandhana anchored the Indian innings with a well-crafted 60 (, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers ensured India didn’t run away with the game. They kept taking wickets at crucial intervals, as no Indian partnership stitched over 50 runs. Kavisha Dilhari was the pick of the Lankan bowlers, picking up wickets to stem the flow of runs.
The Indian middle order struggled to capitalize on the good start, with quick wickets putting pressure on the team. Uma Chetry and Harmanpreet Kaur added just 20 runs in total. However, a late cameo from Richa Ghosh (30 off 14) provided the much-needed impetus, propelling India to a respectable total. Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought hard, but India’s power-hitting towards the end tilted the balance in their favor.
Athapaththu gave a proper nightmare to IND
India’s defence started well, with Vishmi Gunaratne getting run out in the second over. However, things got bleak for the visitors. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu, who has been a talismanic leader for the country once again did what she do the best. Score runs. She took away the new ball threat with ease and made sure Sri Lanka face no more early hiccups. Alongside Harshitha Madavi, the Lankan captain added 87 runs in 63 balls. India desperately needed a wicket and magic happened when Deepti Sharma bowled Athapaththu round of her legs to break the deadlock.
Below average bowling, poor fielding
However, Athapaththu’s dismissal didn’t stop the Lankans. Kavisha Dilhari came and joined forces with Madavi, who both strolled the hosts closer to the target. India had a horror show on the field as the failed to adapt to the conditions. They even dropped some dollies on the field. In fact, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur spilled a simple catch at short long-off, giving a second life to Madavi, who made a game-changing 69*.
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