In a major upset in women's cricket history, Sri Lanka women's cricket team defeated defending champions India by 8 wickets in IND vs SL Women's Asia Cup 2024 final on Sunday (July 28) in Dambulla.
The Women in Blue will have an opportunity to avenge their defeat when they face Sri Lanka again in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in Bangladesh later in October.
Also on ABP Live | Women's Asia Cup 2024 Final: Sri Lanka Women Create History To Win Maiden Title, Thump India Women In The Final
India, batting first, set a competitive target of 165 for 6. However, explosive innings from Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu (62) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (not out with 69) guided their team to victory in just 18.4 overs.
At the post-match presentation ceremony, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on her team's shocking loss to Sri Lanka.
"We are looking to improve in some areas. 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," Harmanpreet said.
"We played good cricket throughout the tournament and, no doubt, we made a lot of fumbles today and that cost us.
"It was a decent total, we were looking for breakthroughs in the powerplay but it didn't go according to plan and Sri Lanka batted really well," she added.
Sri Lanka skipper Athapaththu was extremely happy after her team's maiden title win.
"I am really happy about our team performance, especially the batting performances, especially Harshitha and Dilhari.
"We have played really good cricket in the last 12 months and we want to continue it. Never saw such a crowd, so special thanks go to the Sri Lankan people who came out to watch the game.
"This win is good not only for the team but the whole Sri Lanka because we have to inspire the next generation," Chamari said.