May 3rd, 2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Sri Lanka clinched victory against USA by a mere 18 runs, cementing their position as the top team in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka decided to bat first after winning the toss.
Geetika Kodali scalped the big wicket of Athapaththu, leaving Sri Lanka at 6/1 in the first over.
The early wicket added some impetus to the USA team as they proceeded to play their best game of the tournament. Sri Lanka’s runs were restricted for the majority of the innings with an improved bowling performance by USA.
Isani Vaghela demonstrated excellent bowling skills, conceding no runs from Harshitha Madavi. Aditibi Chudasama later claimed USA’s third wicket against Harshitha Madavi by the 10th over.
Saanvi Immadi was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-0-14-1.
Pooja Shah contributed to a remarkable feat for USA Cricket by executing the team’s first run-out in five years, dismissing de Silva and concluding the end of the innings. USA demonstrated a commendable effort in restricting Sri Lanka to 124 runs.
Anika Kolan, Disha Dhingra, and Sindhu Sriharsha built momentum through the innings, maintaining a consistent run rate. However, by the 14th over, Pooja Ganesh and Chudasama found themselves challenged by the skilled bowling of Sri Lanka’s Shashini Gimhani. Eventually, Sri Lanka managed to dismiss them, along with Shah and Vaghela, as they continued to maintain their dominance.
Chamari Athapaththu, the newly-awarded ICC Women’s ODI Player of 2023, earned the title of the Player of the Match due to her performance.
The result of this match marked the end of USA’S ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign where the team fought hard despite losing all four matches.
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