Dubai: Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana struck sensational half-centuries before Shree Charani snapped four wickets as India defeated defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup final to clinch a record eighth title here Sunday.
Shafali blasted nine fours and two sixes during her 39-ball 68-run knock, while Smriti Mandhana made a 39-ball 59 laced with five fours and three sixes as the two openers shared a 129-run stand in 12.5 overs to lay a solid foundation for the seven-time winners who opted to bat after winning the toss.
Later in the innings, the young Gunalan Kamalini scored 15 off 5 balls to take India to 183 for 5.
In reply, Sri Lanka could manage 111 all out in 20 overs with Chamari Athapaththu (36) and Nilakshika Silva (22) being the top scorers.
Deepti Sharma (2/15) and Shree Charani (4/20) claimed wickets.
For Sri Lanka, Mithali Ayodhya (1/33), Chamari Athapaththu (1/34) and Chamudi Praboda (1/40) were among wickets.
Brief Score:
India women: 183/5 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 68, Smriti Mandhana 59; Chamudi Praboda 1/40).
Sri Lanka women: 111 all out in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 36; Shree Charani 4/20).
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