Cricket

India Elects to Bat First in Women's Asia Cup Final Against Sri LankaIn the highly anticipated final of the Women's Asia Cup 2024, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first after winning the toss against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Sunday. The decision was influenced by the fact that the same pitch used for both semi-finals would be utilized for the final.India's lineup remained unchanged from their victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final, with Uma Chetry retaining her spot at No. 3. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed her team's desire to bowl first and improve their fielding. They made one alteration to their XI, bringing in left-arm spinner Sachini Nisansala for seamer Achini Kulasuriya.Both teams have maintained an undefeated record throughout the tournament. India has emerged victorious in three out of four T20 Asia Cup editions and four times in the ODI format. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is yet to claim a title.Sri Lanka:1. Vishmi Gunaratne2. Chamari Athapaththu (capt)3. Harshitha Samarawickrama4. Hasini Perera5. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)6. Kavisha Dilhari7. Nilakshika Silva8. Inoshi Priyadharshani9. Udeshika Prabodhani10. Sugandika Kumari11. Sachini NisansalaIndia:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. Uma Chetry4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)5. Jemimah Rodrigues6. Richa Ghosh (wk)7. Deepti Sharma8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Radha Yadav10. Renuka Singh11. Tanuja KanwarThe match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams. India will aim to extend their dominance in the tournament, while Sri Lanka will be determined to create history by claiming their first Asia Cup title.

Team India's new era under captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir commenced with a resounding 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the three-match series in Pallekele.India, batting first, amassed a formidable 213 for 7, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the charge with a blistering 58 off 26 balls. Sri Lanka's chase appeared promising, with opener Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings with a brilliant 79 off 48 balls. However, Axar Patel's crucial intervention in the 15th over, dismissing both Nissanka and Kusal Perera, swung the momentum in India's favor.Riyan Parag, playing only his fourth international match, made an immediate impact. He effected a run-out off his first delivery and then claimed his maiden international wicket three balls later, dismissing Kamindu Mendis. Parag's impressive spell continued, as he returned in the final over to dismantle Sri Lanka's lower order. He struck in consecutive balls, bundling out the hosts for 170 in 19.2 overs and finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 5 in 1.2 overs.India's all-round performance, highlighted by Parag's game-changing spell, showcased their potential and set a positive tone for the remaining matches. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and marks a promising start to the new era under Yadav and Gambhir.

Defending champions India are poised to extend their dominance in the Women's Asia Cup, aiming for a record-extending eighth title as they face a spirited Sri Lanka in the final on Sunday.India has been unstoppable in this continental showpiece, crushing Pakistan by seven wickets, followed by facile victories over UAE (78 runs), Nepal (82 runs), and Bangladesh (10 wickets). Their top-order batters and bowlers have fired in unison, leaving their opponents with no chance to mount a fight.Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have amassed over 100 runs each at a healthy strike rate of over 140, providing India with solidity and quick starts. However, the management may be even more pleased with the bowlers' response to the challenge, particularly Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh.Deepti is the leading wicket-taker of the event with nine scalps, while Renuka is third on the chart with seven. Their economy rate across four matches has been brilliant – 4.37 and 4.31 respectively. This has ensured that the opposition batters have no breathing space at the top or in the middle-overs, phases when Renuka and Deepti often operate.It has also aided other bowlers, as batters often look for relief shots against them. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav is a prime example, having taken six wickets at an economy of 5.5, feeding on the success of her senior colleagues.While there is no palpable worry in the Indian camp, they may be slightly concerned about the lack of batting time for skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues. Harmanpreet has batted just twice in three matches, despite making a riveting 66 in one of them, while Rodrigues is yet to hit top gear in three innings. The think tank will hope that these experienced campaigners can find their range if the situation demands it."They might not have got that much time in the middle, but everyone is working hard at nets, and I am sure they will fire when the time comes," wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh had said.On the other hand, Sri Lanka is also undefeated in this event and has scored the biggest victory in terms of runs – a 144-run toweling of Malaysia in the group stage. The primary reason behind their supremacy is the fine form of skipper Chamari Athapathuthu, the leading run-scorer here with 243 runs.However, there is a bleaker side to it. Apart from Athapathuthu, none of their batters have scored over 100 runs, with Rushmi Gunarathne a distant second with 91 runs. Their bowling too offers a similar story. Except for off-spinner Kavisha Dilhari (7 wickets, economy 5.35), other Lankan bowlers have failed to make an impact as yet.In that context, the Islanders will require a quick all-round improvement against a settled India to have a smidgeon of chance even to stretch them.

India's newly appointed skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill put on a dominant display in the first innings of the match against Sri Lanka, amassing a formidable 74 runs without losing a wicket in the Powerplay.Yadav, who came to the crease after the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, welcomed Kamindu Mendis with a boundary over cover. Mendis, an ambidextrous spinner, bowled a variety of deliveries, including off-spin and left-arm spin, but Yadav and Gill remained unfazed.Gill, in particular, was in fine form, hitting a six over mid-wicket off Dilshan Madushanka and four boundaries in quick succession. His shots were a combination of power and precision, showcasing his excellent timing and strokeplay.Madushanka, who had conceded 13 runs in his first over, returned to the attack and dismissed Gill for 33. Gill attempted a big shot but mistimed it, giving Asitha Fernando an easy catch at mid-on.Despite the loss of Gill, Yadav continued to play aggressively, hitting a boundary off Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga, who had earlier dismissed Jaiswal, bowled a googly that beat Yadav all ends up.At the end of the Powerplay, India were in a commanding position, with Yadav and Jaiswal unbeaten on 28 and 25 respectively. The duo had built a solid foundation for India's innings, putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Team India, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, is poised to face Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series on Saturday in Pallekele. Gambhir, renowned for his aggressive approach, aims to maintain India's dominance across all formats of the game.In the T20Is against Sri Lanka, India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who was chosen over all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Ahead of the 1st T20I, a unique moment was captured during practice. Hardik, a fast-bowling all-rounder, bowled a leg spin, imitating the action of legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble. Skipper Suryakumar also showcased his versatility by trying his hand at pace bowling.Gambhir's intense approach and tenacity will present a different coaching style for the players, who must also adapt to the leadership of new T20I skipper Suryakumar. Suryakumar's elevation came as a surprise, as he leapfrogged Hardik Pandya for the job. The selectors prioritized a captain who would be on the field more often and relied on dressing room feedback.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will face a depleted bowling attack with the absence of experienced bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara due to injuries. The hosts have added Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.

The Indian cricket team embarks on a new era in T20 international cricket under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav. The duo faces the daunting task of replacing stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, who recently retired from the format.As they prepare for the first match against Sri Lanka on Saturday, Gambhir and Yadav must make several crucial decisions regarding the team's playing XI. The opening partnership is expected to remain unchanged, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill retaining their spots.Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant are likely to occupy the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively. Pant's return means Sanju Samson may have to sit out, unless the team management opts to play him as a specialist batter.Hardik Pandya is a certainty at No. 5, despite competition from Shivam Dube. Pandya's all-round abilities, including his bowling, give him an edge over Dube. However, Dube's superior batting skills against spin-heavy teams present a dilemma for the team management.Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube are vying for the No. 6 spot, with both capable of playing the finisher's role. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel are the two spin-bowling all-rounders likely to be included, while Ravi Bishnoi will serve as the specialist third spinner.In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace-bowling attack.

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu Guides Team to Asia Cup Final with Resolute Half-CenturyIn a thrilling encounter at Dambulla, Sri Lanka's skipper Chamari Athapaththu led her team to a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semifinal of the Women's Asia Cup. The win propelled Sri Lanka into the championship match against India, who had earlier defeated Bangladesh by 10 wickets.Athapaththu, the tournament's leading run-scorer, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's triumph. Her well-timed 63 off 48 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six, singlehandedly steered the Lankans towards the 141-run target. Her crucial partnership of 61 runs with Kalisha Dilhari (17 off 18 balls) for the third wicket provided Sri Lanka with a solid foundation.Anushka Sanjeevani's unbeaten 24 off 22 balls, including a four and a six, also played a significant role in Sri Lanka's successful chase. The hosts reached the target of 141 for 7 in 19.5 overs, securing their place in the final.Pakistan's bowling attack was led by the experienced left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, who claimed an impressive 4 wickets for 16 runs in her four overs. However, she lacked adequate support from her fellow bowlers, allowing Sri Lanka to overcome the challenge.Earlier, Pakistan's innings was anchored by useful contributions from Muneeba Ali (37), Gull Feroza (25), captain Nida Dar (23), and Fatima Sana (23 not out). Despite getting starts, none of them managed to convert their scores into more substantial ones, resulting in Pakistan posting a total of 140 for four in 20 overs.

India and Sri Lanka Embark on New T20I Era with Fresh Faces and AmbitionsAs the sun sets on Pallekele on Saturday, a new chapter in T20I cricket will unfold as India and Sri Lanka face off in a highly anticipated series. Both teams have undergone significant changes, marking a fresh start for their respective T20I journeys.For India, the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja have paved the way for a new era under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. Sri Lanka, too, has bid farewell to Angelo Mathews and appointed Charith Asalanka as their new captain.Adding to the excitement, both teams have appointed new head coaches: Gautam Gambhir for India and Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka (in an interim capacity).Despite their shared new beginnings, the two teams enter the series with contrasting recent performances. India recently triumphed in the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending their long-awaited ICC trophy drought. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, suffered a disappointing first-round exit in the same tournament.India's recent success has been followed by a 4-1 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe, while Sri Lanka's players have been engaged in the Lanka Premier League.Both Asalanka and Suryakumar have prior experience leading their national sides in T20Is. However, India remains without their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has faced setbacks with injuries to Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera, as well as a flu outbreak that has forced them to call up Ramesh Mendis as a reserve.Spotlight on Rising StarsMatheesha Pathirana, the young Sri Lankan pacer, has impressed with his death bowling in the LPL. His economy rate of 7.02 in that phase was the best among those who bowled at least five overs at the death.Shubman Gill, India's vice-captain, will be eager to prove his worth in T20Is after a disappointing performance leading up to the World Cup. He has shown promise in the IPL, but needs to translate that form into international success.Team News and Pitch ConditionsSri Lanka is likely to open with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, with Kusal Perera batting at No. 3. India, on the other hand, may opt for a three-spinner attack, including Ravi Bishnoi.The pitch in Pallekele is expected to favor spinners, with an average first-innings total of 185 in the LPL. Rain is forecast during the daytime, but the match is unlikely to be affected.Stats and Trivia* Sri Lanka has only beaten India once in a bilateral T20I series, in 2021.* India has won 15 out of 16 T20Is this year, with their only defeat coming against Zimbabwe.* Suryakumar Yadav is fifth on the list of most sixes in T20Is, with 133.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan Clash in Women's Asia Cup 2024 Semi-FinalSri Lanka and Pakistan will lock horns in the second semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 on Friday in Dambulla. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams.Sri Lanka has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten in the group stage. They topped Group B with three wins and a tie, showcasing their consistency and resilience. Their batting lineup has been led by Chamari Athapaththu, who has scored two half-centuries, while the bowling attack has been spearheaded by Oshadi Ranasinghe, who has taken seven wickets.Pakistan, on the other hand, finished second in Group A with two wins and a loss. Their only defeat came against arch-rivals India, who they will face in the final if they can overcome Sri Lanka. Pakistan's batting has been anchored by Nida Dar, who has scored 102 runs in the tournament, while their bowling has been led by Fatima Sana, who has taken six wickets.The winner of this semi-final will face India in the summit clash on Sunday. India has been the dominant force in women's cricket in the region, having won the last six editions of the Asia Cup. However, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be determined to upset the favorites and claim the title.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Sri Lanka will be looking to continue their unbeaten run, while Pakistan will be eager to avenge their loss to India. The outcome of the match will have a significant impact on the tournament and will set the stage for an exciting final.