Sri Lanka Triumphs in Women's Asia Cup 2024: Skipper Chamari Athapaththu Eyes Future ICC Tournaments

Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the Women's Asia Cup 2024 final against India, led by standout performances from Harshitha Samawickrama and Chamari Athapaththu. Post-win, Athapaththu shared her aspirations to compete in upcoming ICC tournaments. The team's success aims to inspire the next generation of female cricketers.

Sri Lanka clinched the Women's Asia Cup 2024 title, defeating India by eight wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samawickrama spearheaded the victory with remarkable batting performances.

Post-match, Athapaththu expressed her desire to participate in two forthcoming ICC tournaments—the T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup in India next year. 'Hopefully, I will still play until the next 50-over World Cup,' Athapaththu told ICC.

Reflecting on the team's achievement, Athapaththu conveyed her satisfaction with their performance, dedicating the win to inspiring future female cricketers. 'I am happy about my team's performance, especially the batting. This victory is special for Sri Lanka and our supporters,' she added.

India set a target of 166 runs, with notable contributions from Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Jemimah Rodrigues. Sri Lankan bowlers Dilhari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sachini Nisansala, and Athapaththu all chipped in with crucial wickets to restrict India.

Chasing the target, Sri Lanka reached 166 in the 19th over, thanks to unbeaten half-centuries from Samawickrama and Athapaththu. Deepti Sharma was the only Indian bowler to claim a wicket.

Samawickrama was named Player of the Match, while Athapaththu earned the Player of the Tournament accolade, amassing 346 runs in five matches, including a century and two fifties, alongside three wickets.