Hangzhou, China, September 22, 2023: Sri Lanka brushed aside Thailand by eight wickets to storm into the semi-finals in the women’s cricket competition at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.
While all the three other semi-finalists – India, Pakistan and Bangladesh – booked their last four berths virtue of a better Asian ranking, Sri Lanka led by Chamari Athapatthu were given a welcome workout by the Thais in the only quarterfinal match which was completed.
Poor weather at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field resulted in three quarterfinals being decided on rankings. On Thursday, September 21, hot favourites India and defending champions Pakistan won through to the semi-finals by dint of superior rankings.
Not so the case for Sri Lanka who had to take the field and will now meet Pakistan in the T20 semi-finals on Sunday, September 24. India will play Bangladesh in the other semi.
“I’m pleased we had a game, even if it was reduced to 15 overs, and I’m really happy at the way we played today,” said Sri Lankan skipper and opening batsman Athapatthu.
The Sri Lankan captain put Thailand in to bat knowing the weather would play an important role. She was proven right with the match being cut to 15 overs a side. Thailand was restricted to 78 for seven. Sri Lanka knocked off the runs in 11 overs.
“It was tough conditions to bat in and that’s why I invited them to bat first. It was the first time we were playing here, and we wanted to know how the wicket was playing. I’m happy we got the chance to both bat and bowl,” smiled Athapatthu.
Something India, Pakistan and Bangladesh would have wanted too.
