The grand stage is set for a blockbuster final as defending champion India takes on a fiery Sri Lankan side for Asian Games glory.
India breezes into the title match on the back of an absolute masterclass in the semi-finals, headlined by Shafali Verma’s breathtaking century that completely dismantled Bangladesh. Their confidence is sky-high, backed by a balanced lineup where every player knows their role inside out.
However, Sri Lanka is playing some of its most fearless cricket in recent memory. Fresh off a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, the Sri Lankans have shown they possess the grit, flair, and belief to take down any opponent on their day.
Squads:
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Bharti Fulmali, Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Shreyanka Patil, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, G Kamalini (WK)
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Anushka Sanjeewani (WK), Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kawya Kavindi, Kaushini Nuthyangana (WK), Sanjana Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nimasha Meepage, Chamudi Praboda, Mithali Ayodhya
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
Chamari Athapaththu dominated with the bat, leading the charts with 146 runs in 2 innings at an average of 146.00 and the highest of 83*. Striking at 167.81 off 87 balls, she smashed 14 fours and 9 sixes, bringing up two half-centuries. She also made her presence felt with the ball, taking 3 wickets in 6 overs with best figures of 2/3 and an economy rate of 5.50.
Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma was in sensational form, scoring 140 runs across 2 innings without getting dismissed once, headlined by a magnificent 100*. Her explosive scoring rate reached a striking 218.75 off just 64 balls, featuring 9 fours and 11 sixes. She also chipped in with the ball, taking 2 wickets in 4 overs at an economy rate of 3.25 and a best spell of 2/13.
Mithali Ayodhya
Mithali Ayodhya contributed steadily in the bowling attack across 2 matches. She delivered 5 overs, picking up 2 wickets while conceding 30 runs to log a best performance of 2/15. She finished the competition with a bowling average of 15.00, a strike rate of 15.00, and an economy rate of 6.00.
N Sree Charani
N Sree Charani emerged as one of the standout bowlers of the tournament, taking 6 wickets in 2 matches. She bowled 7 overs, including 3 maiden overs, and conceded only 17 runs to finish with an exceptional economy rate of 2.42. With a best bowling performance of 4/10, she maintained a bowling average of 2.83 and a strike rate of 7.00.
Pitch:
The pitch at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin offers a balanced surface with reliable bounce that gives fast bowlers early carry and assistance. Batters need a bit of patience to settle in before stroking freely, while spinners and bowlers who effectively vary their pace tend to find success as the match progresses.
Weather:
Nisshin is forecasted to be mostly sunny with a high of 32°C and a low of 23°C. Expect humidity around 60% and northwest winds reaching 16 mph.
Fantasy Playing XIs:
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma, Chamari Athapaththu, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Hansima Karunaratne
Match Details:
Venue – Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
Broadcast – Sony Sports, Sony Liv
Loves all things female cricket
Source: femalecricket.com
