India maintained their dominance within the Women’s Asia Cup with an eight-wicket demolition of a self-destructing Sri Lanka within the remaining right here on Saturday for his or her seventh title in eight editions.
Sri Lanka, who have been taking part in their first event remaining in 14 years, imploded after opting to bat on a sluggish and turning pitch. They might solely handle 65 for 9 which India knocked off in 8.3 overs. Smriti Mandhana struck a chic 51 not out off 25 balls.
It was a procession after Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu bought run out within the third over following a combination up with Anushka Sanjeewani who too bought run out six balls later.
Renuka, who has been in prime kind for the reason that Commonwealth Games in August, despatched again Hasini Perera on the very first ball she confronted. The left-hander checked her shot solely to be caught at cowl, leaving Sri Lanka at 9 for 4.
The Sri Lankans have been in dire want of a partnership however Kavisha Dilhari’s fall made it 16 for 5 as she was bowled whereas making an attempt to play an incoming supply from Renuka throughout the road.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad bought her first wicket after Nilakshi de Silva performed on to her stumps whereas making an attempt to chop a ball near her physique. At 32 for eight, being bowled out for a sub-50 whole was very a lot on the playing cards, however Ranaweera saved them from that ignominy with an unbeaten 18 off 22 balls.
The Indians bowled with self-discipline however poor shot choice contributed extra to Sri Lanka’s steep slide. After a memorable win over Pakistan within the semifinals, it appeared the event bought the higher of Sri Lanka.
India misplaced Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues cheaply within the run chase. However, each the batters did properly within the event, with Shafali getting again to kind and Jemimah making a profitable comeback from damage.
The elegant Mandhana performed some beautiful strokes on option to finishing the formality alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (11 not out off 14). Smriti’s effort included three sixes and 6 boundaries. Fittingly, she sealed the win with a most off Oshadi Ranasinghe.
The win is a shot within the arm for India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup subsequent 12 months. They have been in a position to check gamers for various roles in the course of the competitors, although that additionally contributed to their solely loss within the event, towards Pakistan within the league stage.
The Indians took a lap of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium and, in a tremendous gesture, bought clicked with the complete groundstaff after their triumph, which was witnessed by a sizeable turnout.