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Sri Lanka celebrated a historic victory in the Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup, securing their first-ever title after defeating seven-time champions India by eight wickets in a thrilling final match. The victory, achieved in Dambulla, marked a culmination of years of dedication and hard work for the Sri Lankan team, and served as a powerful statement to their rivals ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
India, having dominated the tournament's previous editions, chose to bat first and posted a respectable total of 165 runs for the loss of six wickets. Their openers fell early victims to the skillful bowling of all-rounder Kavisha Dilhari, who ultimately claimed two wickets for 36 runs. However, the Indian team, led by their experienced players, managed to recover and build a solid foundation, setting a target that Sri Lanka would need to chase down.
Sri Lanka's response was nothing short of impressive. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, declared player of the tournament, got her team off to a strong start, forming an 87-run partnership with the exceptional Harshitha Samarawickrama. Samarawickrama, named player of the match, went on to score an unbeaten 69, while Athapaththu contributed a crucial 61 runs. Dilhari's 30 not out further solidified Sri Lanka's victory, as they reached the target with eight balls to spare, finishing on 167 for 2.
The victory was a testament to Sri Lanka's consistent growth and performance in recent times. Athapaththu, reflecting on their remarkable journey, highlighted the sacrifices made by the team over the past decade and a half. The team's impressive wins against strong teams like England, South Africa, West Indies, and New Zealand in recent months, including their triumph in the World Cup qualifiers, underscored their potential and set the stage for this Asia Cup victory.
Sri Lanka's victory comes at an opportune moment, with the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon in October. Both Sri Lanka and India are placed in Group A for the tournament, alongside the reigning champions Australia, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The anticipation for the tournament is high, and Sri Lanka's victory will surely add fuel to the fire, instilling confidence within the team as they gear up for the challenging group stage.
Meanwhile, news from the West Indies brought its own excitement. Deandra Dottin, a star all-rounder, announced her return to international cricket, ending a period of retirement and making herself available for World Cup selection. Dottin's decision to rejoin the West Indies team provides a significant boost to their campaign, injecting both experience and talent into their ranks. She had last played for the West Indies at the 2022 ODI World Cup in New Zealand, with her most recent international game being for Barbados at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Her return is sure to energize the team and inspire confidence, adding another dimension to their World Cup preparations.