League: Cricket
In Match 12 of Group B in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 at Dambulla on Wednesday (July 24), Sri Lanka Women delivered a commanding performance, securing a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Thailand Women. Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target of 94 in just 11.3 overs without losing a wicket, showcasing their dominance in the ongoing tournament.
Thailand, opting to bat first, struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. They managed to score 93/7 in their 20 overs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the standout performer with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 47 off 53 balls, including five boundaries. Despite her resilient innings, Thailand’s batters found it difficult to form substantial partnerships, leading to a modest total.
Thailand’s innings began on a shaky note, losing Nattaya Boochatham for a duck on the very first ball, bowled by Achini Kulasuriya. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi tried to provide some stability with a quick 12 off 9 balls but fell to Fernando. Phannita Maya (2 off 18 balls) and Chanida Sutthiruang (4 off 3 balls) couldn’t contribute much, as the wickets continued to tumble.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were in top form, with Kavisha Dilhari leading the way, taking 2 wickets for just 13 runs in her 4-over spell. Inoshi Priyadharshani, Chamari Athapaththu, Sugandika Kumari and Achini Kulasuriya each chipped in with a wicket apiece, keeping Thailand’s scoring rate in check throughout the innings.
Chasing a modest target of 94, Sri Lanka made light work of the task, reaching the target in just 11.3 overs. Vishmi Gunaratne and Chamari Athapaththu provided a perfect start, both remaining unbeaten to ensure a comprehensive victory. Gunaratne scored a steady 39 off 34 balls, including four boundaries and one six, anchoring the chase with confidence. Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan captain, played a blistering knock, scoring 49 off just 35 balls with two fours and four sixes, finishing the match in style.
Thailand’s bowlers struggled to make any impact on the Sri Lankan openers. Chanida Sutthiruang was the most economical, conceding 18 runs in her 3 overs. Boochatham and Thipatcha Putthawong tried to contain the run flow but were unable to break the opening partnership. Onnicha Kamchomphu and Maya were the most expensive, conceding 22 and 17 runs respectively in their short spells.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.