As Anushka Sanjeewani scored the winning run against Pakistan Women in the second semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024, the Sri Lankan players jumped out of their seats ecstatic and ran into the pitch. This event occurred on Friday, July 26, at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
Three runs were needed for Sri Lanka to win the last over. Pakistan’s captain Nida Dar took charge and bowled the last over. The first delivery was a dot ball, then she dismissed Sugandika Kumari on the second for a massive change in the game. Again there was a dot on the third ball and they scored single on fourth. On the fifth ball Nida throw wide down the leg which leveled scores.
The final match was stepped up when Anushka Sanjeewani hit the ball towards long on for a single in the second last ball of the match that resulted in advance of Sri Lanka to the final round. Hugging Sanjeewani was such a good moment for all Lanka players who ran into the field in excitement.
You can watch the video here:
𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻! 🇱🇰🔥#ChamariAthapaththu & co. have defeated Pakistan in consecutive #WomensAsiaCup semi-finals 💪
On to the finals, they go! 😍#SLvIND | SUN, JUL 28, 2:30 PM | #WomensAsiaCupOnStar (Only available in India) pic.twitter.com/epH8JJkQq2
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 26, 2024
The Sri Lankan team captain, Chamari Athapaththu, was at the helm of affairs; she hit 63 runs from 48 balls during her turn at bat which included nine fours and one six. Later on Sanjeewani’s contributions became instrumental in ending the game with an unbeaten score of 24.
Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal shone brightly with figures of 4/16 but ultimately this was not enough to save Women in Green from elimination from the competition.
Sri Lankans secured crucial wickets during the first innings
With a request to bat first, Gil Feroza (25) and Muneeba Ali (37) of Pakistan put together an opening partnership of 61 in 9 overs. But Udeshika Prabodhani got them both out in the 10th over when Pakistan required both to increase their pace.
During the 15th over, the Women in Green too lost a couple of key wickets when Kavisha Dilhari got rid of Sidra Ameen (10) and Nida Dar (23). Points at which the Sri Lankan bowler managed to take wickets were very improbable as they huffed and puffed to 140 for the loss of 4 wickets in their 20 overs.
Pakistan fought hard in response, yet destiny was not in their favor as the home team got through to the last match. Sri Lanka is going to meet India on Sunday, July 28, for the Women’s Asia Cup final.
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