Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh closer to semi-final spot

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh put in a strong performance to secure victories over Malaysia and Thailand in Group B to move closer to a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup T20 tournament on Monday.

While hosts Sri Lanka defeated Malaysia by a margin of 114 runs, Bangladesh outwitted Thailand by seven wickets later in the day. With four runs each, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh occupy the top two spots.

Chamari Athapaththu was the architect of Sri Lanka’s convincing victory. She hit an unbeaten 69-ball 119 with 14 boundaries and seven sixes. She single-handedly led the team to an impressive 184 for 4 after opting to bat.

Sri Lanka vs Malaysia Highlights

Harshitha Madavi (26) and Anushka Sanjeewani (31) also made useful contributions.

The bowlers then joined in the celebrations as Shashini Gimhani (3/9), Kawya Kavindi (2/7) and Kavisha Dilhari (2/4) put up incredible figures to beat Malaysia by just 40 runs in 19.5 overs.

Inoshi Priyadharshani (1/10), Sachini Nisansala (1/4) and Ama Kanchana (1/5) also broke a wicket each.

For Malaysia, only Elsa Hunter could reach double figures, with 10 in 11 balls. Aina Najwa scored 9 in 43 balls, which was the reason Malaysia could last so many overs.

In the second match of the day, Thailand were left out in the cold, managing just 96 for 9 in the stipulated 20 overs, thanks to a 40 from 41 balls by opener Nattaya Boochatham, who decided to take the first strike.

Bangladesh vs Thailand Highlights

Rabeya Khan was the most successful bowler, returning with four wickets for 14 runs, while Sabikun Nahar (2/28) and Ritu Moni (2/10) took two wickets each, breaking the backbone of their opponents.

Murshida Khatun, chasing a 97 for victory, made 50 from 55 balls as Bangladesh secured victory, scoring 100 for 3 in 17.3 overs.

Dilara Akter (17) was dismissed in the fifth over, but Khatun and Ishma Tanjim (16) shared 60 runs to steady the chase.