Sri Lanka Claims Maiden Women’s T20 Asia Cup Title: Athapaththu Reflects on Years of Sacrifice
Historic Victory for Sri Lanka: Women's T20 Asia Cup Triumph
Sri Lanka’s cricket team achieved a historic milestone on Sunday, securing their first-ever Women’s T20 Asia Cup title with an eight-wicket victory over the seven-time champions India in Dambulla. The win marked a significant achievement for Sri Lankan women’s cricket, culminating years of dedication and hard work.
India Sets Challenging Target: Sri Lanka’s Remarkable Chase
India, opting to bat first, set a competitive target of 166 runs by posting 165-6. The Indian innings saw a solid start, but Sri Lankan all-rounder Kavisha Dilhari played a crucial role in dismissing both Indian openers, finishing with figures of 2-36.
Athapaththu and Samarawickrama Lead Sri Lanka to Victory
In response, Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu delivered a stellar performance, scoring 61 runs and forging an impressive 87-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, who was named Player of the Match with an unbeaten 69 runs. The pair’s crucial contributions ensured a successful chase, with Dilhari (30 not out) and Samarawickrama guiding Sri Lanka to victory with eight balls remaining, ending at 167-2.
Athapaththu Celebrates Long-Awaited Achievement
Following the victory, Chamari Athapaththu expressed immense pride and relief, highlighting the years of sacrifice that led to this achievement. “We sacrificed a lot over the last 10-15 years. Finally, we have won this award and this trophy,” Athapaththu stated. She emphasized the team’s exceptional performance over the past year, including victories over top teams like England, South Africa, West Indies, and New Zealand, as well as their success in World Cup qualifiers.
Significance of the Win: A New Era for Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket
This triumph not only marks a historic win for Sri Lankan women’s cricket but also sets a new benchmark for future successes. The team’s dedication and perseverance have finally been rewarded, bringing a new era of hope and achievement to Sri Lankan cricket.
