Sri Lanka spinners stifle Pakistan to enter Asia Cup final after 14 years
Inoka Ranaweera starred with 2 for 17, before Pakistan needed three off the last ball, which Nida Dar couldn't put away
Inoka Ranaweera starred with 2 for 17, before Pakistan needed three off the last ball, which Nida Dar couldn't put away
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: @himanshu_a30
India vs Sri Lanka on Saturday - the final of this year's Asia Cup. Their men did it just last month, and the women have an opportunity to replicate that. A brilliant semi-final sets the tone for what should be an equally exciting title game, and until then, it is goodbye from Ranjith, Suds and me, Himanshu!
Inoka Ranaweera is the Player of the Match and Athapaththu is the translator: "Really happy, and want to share her award with Achini [Kulasuriya]. When we started, we trusted each and every one. We didn't have big names."
Chamari Athapaththu comes smiling: "Bit of pressure in the middle, but I trust my bowlers! We changed the batting order, but we are happy with this win. After 14 years, we are in the Asia Cup final. We are happy! Wicket was really good, and in the first six overs they batted really well. We knew it won't be easy after that, so we stuck with our plans in the middle overs. Kavisha is very young, but plays very good cricket at times!"
Bismah Maroof speaks first: "It was a very good match. Everybody enjoyed watching it. It was a very good wicket. We controlled well in the middle [overs], but we gave some lose balls as well. We didn't bat well in the end. Their bowlers bowled well as well. It was a very clinical performance from all who played [in this tournament]. Very proud of the game after they came back from the Thailand match."
So Sri Lanka meet India in the final, but before that, here comes the presentation.
Sharat Verma: "Thankfully the the last ball wide missed by the umpire in the Sri Lankan innings didn't come into the equation!"
George: "Pakistan!!!! How on earth????"
4.32pm Sri Lanka get into a huddle, and rejoice in the moment; Maroof and co look shattered. A terrific game of cricket, which kept swinging from one way to the other throughout the run chase. Muneeba came out as if in the mood to hunt this down as early as possible, and it was her wicket that allowed Sri Lanka to claw back. A combined bowling show by Sri Lanka, and overall, a thriller where all three results were possible until the last ball.
Nida Dar run out 26 (41m 26b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100.00
3 from 1...
4 off 2
By the way, Sri Lanka have been penalised for slow over rate, and so have only three fielders outside the circle
Vinod Rajpal: "Super Over... anyone ?"
9 off 7. Who is supporting whom? Achini has the ball.
NK: "Riveting!"
Chamari Athapaththu explains how her side defended 12 runs off the last two overs to make the women's Asia Cup final
Inoka Ranaweera starred with 2 for 17, before Pakistan needed three off the last ball, which Nida Dar couldn't put away