Don’t miss out on the electrifying win of Sri Lanka against Pakistan, featuring standout performances by Athapaththu and Sanjeewani in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Stay updated with all the latest news and highlights on our website.
Introduction:
In a high-stakes encounter that kept the fans on tenterhooks, Sri Lanka did manage to find its name in the annals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 through an exciting victory against Pakistan. In the tense semi-final lit by floodlights, the captain of this island nation, Chamari Athapaththu, showed up to perform a tour de force demonstration as to how much resilience and skill go in tandem. Her electrifying 63 runs formed the backbone of that chase, careening wildly between triumph and despair, before culminating in a final-over finish that nobody would ever forget. Well, this was a game that had loads of bat-and-ball action, something much more—a test of nerves and strategy combined with the never-say-die spirit of a team resolved to scale the heights of Asian women’s cricket.
See also: India Crashes Bangladesh by 10 Wickets to Reach WAC Final
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Athapaththu Heroics Guides Sri Lanka to Win
In the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 semi-final, Sri Lanka pulled off a humdinger of a win over Pakistan. Chamari Athapaththu starred with a brilliant 63 from 48 balls to help her team reach the final for the second consecutive time. Anushka Sanjeewani played a critical unbeaten 24 from 22 deliveries as Sri Lanka finished off an energetic chase of a total of 140 for 4 posted by Pakistan.
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See also: Sri Lanka’s Historic Win in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup at Dambulla
The encounter epitomized the never-say-die attitude of Sri Lanka(W), perhaps as it was reminiscent of their nail-biting win over the same opposition in the 2022 semi-final. With multiple momentum shifts, Sri Lanka(W) kept their cool and managed to pull off a tricky target in the final over.
Good Start for Pakistan: Muneeba, Feroza Shine
The Pakistan(W) innings was supported by a fine opening partnership between Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza. The opening pair carried on the good work from the previous game, putting 45 runs in the powerplay overs on a good platform. Feroza was particularly aggressive as she struck three fours off Achini Kulasuriya’s bowling in the third over. Muneeba complimented well by sweeping Athapaththu for boundaries and driving Prabodhani elegantly.
However, Sri Lanka(W) regrouped to wrest back the momentum in the middle overs. Udeshika Prabodhani sent both openers back to the pavilion within two deliveries of each other. Feroza was caught at deep midwicket, while Muneeba was bowled when she played the sweep, and Pakistan(W)’s score became 60 for 2.
Middle Order Struggles, Sana’s Late Surge
The fall of the openers pushed Pakistan(W) onto the back foot, with the middle order finding it extremely hard to keep up with the rate. Nida Dar finally broke free, hitting a six and a four off Kulasuriya, but her joy was short-lived. Sidra Amin struggled to find her rhythm before being caught at short third after mistiming a reverse sweep. Dilhari’s double strike, which included the vital wicket of Dar, further dented Pakistan(W)’s progress.
It was an unbeaten 23 off 17 balls, with some well-timed boundaries by Fatima Sana, that carried the scoreboard to the end. Along with Aliya Riaz, Sana added 41 runs in the last few overs, dragging Pakistan up to a competitive total. But it’s their fielding—replete with chances missed and catches dropped—which raises a question mark over their performance.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: A Battle of Nerves
The chase was wobbly right from the outset as Sri Lanka(W) lost both Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. At 35 for 2 after the powerplay, Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari held together to put on 59 for the third wicket. Athapaththu was watchful early but gradually gained momentum as the innings wore on, often beating the infield.
However, Pakistan(W) clawed back into the game through Sadia Iqbal’s exceptional bowling. Iqbal’s four-wicket haul, including the crucial scalp of Athapaththu, left Sri Lanka(W) reeling at 78 for 4. Despite the setbacks, Sanjeewani joined Athapaththu to add 42 runs for the fifth wicket, crucially tilting the game in Sri Lanka(W)’s favor.
The Final Over Drama: Electrifying Win of Sri Lanka
When 21 runs were needed off 20 balls, it was time for a pulsating finish. Iqbal’s removal of Athapaththu in the 17th over, after the former had struck two boundaries got Pakistan(W) back in the game. A run-out and a tight penultimate over meant Sri Lanka(W) needed three runs off the final six balls. Nashra Sandhu’s expensive over and Sanjeewani’s calm head under pressure sealed Sri Lanka(W)’s passage into the final.
Dar’s efforts in the final over, including a wicket, were all in vain as Sri Lanka(W) crossed the finish line with three balls to spare. That will now set up a mouth-watering final against India, yet another keenly contested affair.
Conclusion: Grit and Guts in a Display
The win over Pakistan(W) was a statement of the fact that Sri Lanka(W) has built in them the resilience and ability to handle pressure. Athapaththu’s leadership backed by the collective team effort in batting and bowling ensured their final berth. Preparing themselves against the defending champions, India, and Sri Lanka would be keen to keep this good run going to ensure the Asia Cup title.
Though Pakistan(W) lost the battle, there were glimpses of brilliance; they will now look to build on the performances in future events. With some promising young talents and experienced campaigners, they become a formidable team in women’s cricket.