India clinched the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup title after defeating Sri Lanka in the final at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, October 15.
Off-spinner Deepti Sharma planted the seeds of doubts in the minds of Sri Lankan batters quite early with the new ball before fast bowler Renuka Thakur took charge. The seamer – not amongst wickets on turning conditions – adjusted her pace and finished with three wickets for five runs as Sri Lanka were reduced to 16-5 in 5.5 overs. From thereon, they could not recover and put on 65-9 in their stipulated 20 overs.
In reply, India lost quick wickets of Shafali Verma (5) and Jemimah Rodrigues (2). However, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana smashed an unbeaten 25-ball 51 and took her side over the finish line in 8.3 overs. With the victory, India also sealed their seventh Women’s Asia Cup title.
While Jemimah finished as the leading run-scorer, Deepti grabbed the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award for her all-round show.
1⃣3⃣ Wickets
9⃣4⃣ RunsFor her brilliant all-round performance, @Deepti_Sharma06 wins the Player of the Tournament award. #TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/cyPBUWuaRK
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 15, 2022
After lifting the trophy, the Indian players danced their hearts out to celebrate the victory.
Meanwhile, in a video that is going viral on social media, Jemimah can be seen dancing and rolling on the ground as her teammates burst out into celebration. Soon Jemimah’s party was cut short by Smriti as she threw some pieces of coloured ribbon on her face.
Here’s the video:
Some Smriti-Jemi celebrations for you
: @ACCMedia1 #WomensAsiaCup #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/Q0SXvJmEDZ
— Women’s CricZone (@WomensCricZone) October 15, 2022
Jemimah and Smriti will now return to action after joining their respective clubs in the ongoing eight edition of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia.
