Sri Lanka advanced to the final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday. Chasing a target of 141 runs, Sri Lanka secured the win in the final over, despite a rocky start at 19-2 after four overs. Early dismissals of Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama put the hosts under pressure. However, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu played a pivotal role, scoring a commanding 63 off 48 balls with ten boundaries, which anchored the innings.
Anushka Sanjeewani contributed a crucial 24 runs to help Sri Lanka achieve the target with one ball to spare, thanks to a decisive wide delivery from Pakistan’s captain Nida Dar in the final over. For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal excelled with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail picked up one wicket each. Pakistan batted first and set a competitive total of 141 runs. Openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali laid a solid foundation with a 61-run partnership before Udeshika Prabodhani dismissed them both. Feroza scored 25, and Muneeba contributed 37 runs from 34 balls.
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Captain Nida Dar added a quick 23 runs, with late support from Fatima Sana (23) and Aliya Riaz (16). Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s innings didn’t reach a more imposing total. Sri Lankan bowlers Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari each took two wickets, keeping Pakistan’s scoring in check. Sri Lanka will now face India in the final on July 28 in Dambulla, promising an exciting conclusion to the Women’s Asia Cup.
