Sri Lanka triumphed over Thailand by 10 wickets to advance to the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Led by Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan team delivered a dominant performance in both batting and bowling at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Their well-rounded effort ensured a smooth path to victory in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup 2024.
In their innings, Thailand struggled against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. Veteran Nattaya Boochatham was dismissed on the very first ball. While Aphisara Suwanchonrathi and Nannapat Koncharoenkai tried to form a partnership, Suwanchonrathi was out after scoring just 12 runs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai stood out, accumulating 47 runs from 53 balls. However, with limited support from her teammates, Thailand could only post a total of 93 runs.
Sri Lankan bowlers made a significant impact, with Kavisha Dilhari taking two wickets for just 13 runs across four overs. Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, and captain Athapaththu each contributed with a wicket.
In the run chase, Sri Lanka made light work of the target. Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne played effortlessly, sealing the win with ease. Athapaththu, who recently became the first woman cricketer to score a century in the T20 Asia Cup, finished unbeaten on 49 runs from 35 balls. Gunaratne, the 18-year-old talent, added 39* off 34 balls.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the second semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, while India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, will take on Bangladesh. Both semi-finals are set for July 26, with the final scheduled for Sunday, July 28, in Dambulla.
Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), has been abuzz with excitement over Sri Lanka’s impressive 10-wicket victory.