The Asia Cup 2024 final between India and Sri Lanka was a highly anticipated clash, with both teams vying for the prestigious title. Held at the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla, the match saw a packed stadium and millions of fans glued to their screens. India, the defending champions, were expected to put up a strong fight, but the day unfolded differently.
SOURCE : ZEE
India set a competitive target of 165 for 6, thanks to contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues. However, the Sri Lankan team, led by the dynamic Chamari Athapaththu, chased down the target with ease, finishing at 167 for 2 in just 18.4 overs. Athapaththu’s blistering 62 and Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 69 were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victory.
Source:- BBC news
Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s captain, had a day to forget. She managed to score only 11 runs and was involved in a crucial dropped catch that could have turned the game in India’s favor. Standing at mid-on, Kaur dropped a sitter off Harshitha Samarawickrama, who went on to anchor the chase for Sri Lanka.
Following the match, social media was ablaze with reactions. Fans and critics alike took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their disappointment with Kaur’s performance. The hashtag #HarmanpreetKaur was trending, with many users criticizing her captaincy and fielding errors.
One user tweeted, “Captain Harman in the finals: Got out early. Dropped a sitter of Harshitha who eventually won the match for her team. #WomensAsiaCup2024”. Another harsh comment read, “EGO Queen Harman Well Deserved #WomensAsiaCup2024”. The sentiment was echoed by many, with fans expressing their frustration over what they perceived as a lack of leadership and composure under pressure.
In the post-match presentation, a visibly distraught Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that the team had a lot to work on before the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. “We played good cricket throughout the tournament, but we made a lot of fumbles today, and that cost us. It was a decent total, but our bowling didn’t go according to plan, and Sri Lanka batted really well,” she said.
Kaur emphasized the need for improvement and resilience. “We will definitely work hard and remember this day. They have played such good cricket for so long, and they played good cricket throughout this tournament,” she added.
For Sri Lanka, this victory marked their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title. Captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed her joy and pride in her team’s performance. “I am really happy about our team performance, especially the batting performances of Harshitha and Dilhari. This win is good not only for the team but for the whole of Sri Lanka because we have to inspire the next generation,” she said
Athapaththu’s leadership and the team’s cohesive performance were lauded by fans and cricket pundits alike. The win was a testament to their hard work and determination over the past year.
As the dust settles on the Asia Cup, the Indian team must regroup and focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup. The loss serves as a wake-up call, highlighting areas that need improvement. For Harmanpreet Kaur, it is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and lead her team with renewed vigor.
The journey to redemption begins now, and the cricketing world will be watching closely. Can India bounce back and reclaim their dominance? Only time will tell.
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