It is hardly breaking news that Sri Lanka women have made giant strides over the last decade, but if proof were needed, here it is: three Asia Cup finals in a row.
Chamari Atapattu’s girls produced a clinical performance in their final league game against Bangladesh to avoid a semi-final showdown with India and then held their nerve to overcome Pakistan in the last four. Sunday’s final promises to be a cracker against India, the very team Sri Lanka beat in Dambulla two years ago to lift the trophy.
Perhaps the most encouraging feature of the wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan was how Sri Lanka responded when the top order wobbled and the captain departed early. On both occasions, the middle and lower order rolled up their sleeves and launched rescue missions, keeping Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run in the competition intact. That is a healthy sign.
For years, Sri Lanka leaned heavily on Chamari. When she fired, Sri Lanka competed; when she failed, too often the wheels came off. That is changing. Others are now putting their hands up, producing match winning contributions under pressure. And when Chamari does join the party, Sri Lanka suddenly become a formidable outfit.
All eyes back home will be on Dubai Sports City on Sunday, hoping the girls can make it back to back Asia Cup titles. Even if they fall short, one thing is beyond dispute: this team has come a long way.
Following the men’s team across all three formats has brought its share of disappointment in recent times, but the women have been a breath of fresh air constantly punching above their weight, taking on the best and refusing to be intimidated.
In the semi-final, at 33 for four, there were understandably a few worried faces. But Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva and Kavisha Dilhari steadied the ship, negotiated some nervous moments and eventually guided Sri Lanka home with eight balls to spare.
Wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana could stake a claim to being among the finest glovewomen in the world. There had been concerns about her batting during this tournament, but she has answered them with several valuable contributions when the team needed them most.
Then there is 19-year-old Mitali Ayodhya, who provides the X-factor. She offers Sri Lanka the sort of unpredictability that Ajantha Mendis and Lasith Malinga once brought to the men’s side, something opponents cannot quite prepare for.
Chetana Vimukthi is another exciting prospect. The 24-year-old quick has a wonderfully smooth action that brings Glenn McGrath to mind. She can generate serious pace and can be particularly dangerous with the new ball. If Sri Lanka can find room for both quicks in the final, India may have a few uncomfortable questions to answer.
The dilemma, however, is whom to leave out, because the spinners have been terrific. Sugandika Kumari has a strong claim to being among the finest left-arm orthodox spinners in the women’s game, while 17-year-old wonderkid Chamudi Praboda has turned heads with her guile and temperament. Her ability to remain ice cool under pressure speaks volumes about her character. We are going to hear plenty more about her in the years ahead.
Whatever happens in Dubai on Sunday, this will be another chapter in the remarkable rise of Sri Lanka women’s cricket. A third successive Asia Cup final is no fluke. Let’s celebrate how far these girls have come.
