Sri Lanka Women Triumph In Asia Cup 2024 Final, Awards Announced

Sri Lanka Women triumphed in their first Women's Asia Cup 2024 final on Sunday, July 28, by defeating India Women by eight wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. They successfully chased a target of 166 runs with eight balls remaining.

Harshitha Samarawickrama and Chamari Athapaththu were instrumental in Sri Lanka's victory, each scoring a fifty. Their efforts, combined with India's lacklustre fielding, ensured Sri Lanka won the title without losing any matches.

Player of the Match: Harshita Samarawickrama - USD 1500

Player of the Tournament: Chamari Athapaththu - USD 2,500

Runners-up Cheque: USD 15,000

Champions Cheque: USD 25,000

Harshita Madavi (Player of the Match): "She was very happy that she scored in this game, she had a failure in the past. She was determined to score against India in the final and she succeeded. When she was out with Kavisha, she wanted to play positive cricket and it worked out perfectly. She is very thankful that there was the freedom to play."

Harmanpreet Kaur (India Women Captain): "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."

"(On upcoming T20 World Cup) We are looking to improve in some areas, we will definitely work hard and remember this day. They have played such good cricket from so much time and they played good cricket throughout this tournament."

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka Women Captain): "I'm feeling happy, I'm happy about my team's performance, especially the batting. Special thanks to Harshita and DIlhari for their performance. It's not a one-man show, the coaching staff has been great and finally we have won the Asia Cup. Special thanks to the Sri Lanka crowd, they supported our girls and I'm really happy."

"This win is really good for our team, we have to inspire girls in the future, so it's special for Sri Lanka. It's my duty to lead from the front, that's my duty for the country and my team. We talk positive things in the dressing room, the coach and support staff talk positive things in the dressing room, thanks to them. (On her retirement) Yeah, hopefully till next 50-over World Cup."

The Indian team had previously won this continental event seven times and were favourites for an eighth title but were outperformed by Sri Lanka on this occasion.