Harmanpreet Kaur Reflects on Asia Cup Final Loss, Eyes T20 World Cup Preparations

July 28, 2024 0 641

After India’s eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final, captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the need for significant improvement before the T20 World Cup in October.

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed disappointment after their eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final, acknowledging significant areas for improvement before the T20 World Cup in October. India posted a competitive 165 for 6, but Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama dominated the bowlers, sealing the win in 18.4 overs.

Kaur noted that India’s bowling fell short, failing to secure early breakthroughs. She emphasized that despite playing well throughout the tournament, the team made crucial mistakes in the final. With the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh approaching, Kaur stressed the importance of addressing these issues and remembering this loss as motivation to work harder.

“We are looking to improve in some areas. We will definitely work hard and remember this day. They have played such good cricket for so long and they played good cricket throughout this tournament,” Harmanpreet Kaur said at the post-match presentation.

“We played good cricket throughout the tournament and, no doubt, we made a lot of fumbles today and that cost us. It was a decent total, we were looking for breakthroughs in the powerplay but it didn’t go according to plan and Sri Lanka batted really well,” she added.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed joy after their first major success in women’s international cricket, highlighting the team’s excellent performance, particularly in batting, by Harshitha and Dilhari. Over the past year, the team has consistently played well, and Athapaththu extended special thanks to the Sri Lankan fans for their support. With this significant win, the team now sets its sights on the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“I am really happy about our team performance, especially the batting performances, especially Harshitha and Dilhari. We have played really good cricket in the last 12 months and we want to continue it. Never saw such a crowd, so special thanks go to the Sri Lankan people who came out to watch the game. This win is good not only for the team but the whole Sri Lanka because we have to inspire the next generation,” Chamari said.

“I have to lead from the front, that’s my duty for my country. We always talk about positive things in the dressing room, for which the credit goes to the head coach and the support staff. Our next target is the (T20) World Cup,” the skipper concluded.