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In a highly anticipated quarter-final clash of the Asian Games Women’s T20I 2023, Sri Lanka Women delivered a dominant performance to secure a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Thailand Women at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field.
Lankans restrict Thailand at 78/7
In the rain-reduced 15-overs-a-side contest, Thailand won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they faced consistent setbacks as their batting-order struggled to make an impact. Suwanan Khiaoto (1 run off 5 balls), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (8 runs off 10 balls), and Nattankan Chantam (0 runs off 3 balls) were among the early casualties.
Similarly, Naruemol Chaiwai (7 runs off 8 balls), Rosenan Kanoh (0 runs off 4 balls) and Nattaya Boochatham (9 runs off 12 balls) also failed to contribute as the Sri Lankan bowlers kept the pressure on. The highlight of Thailand’s innings was Chanida Sutthiruang, who played a valuable knock of 31 runs off 24 balls, including three boundaries.
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However, the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Inoshi Fernando (3 overs, 4 wickets, 10 runs conceded) and Sugandika Kumari (3 overs, 1 wicket, 13 runs conceded), maintained tight control and took crucial wickets.
As easy chase for the Islanders
Chasing a target of 79 runs for victory, Sri Lanka got off to a steady start. Openers Chamari Athapaththu (27 runs off 21 balls) and Anushka Sanjeewani (32 runs off 23 balls) laid a solid foundation with a 53-run partnership, displaying excellent strokeplay.
Thailand’s bowlers struggled to break this partnership, with Thipatcha Putthawong (3 overs, 2 wickets, 21 runs conceded) being the only successful bowler. Harshitha Samarawickrama (14 runs off 13 balls) and Vishmi Rajapaksha (8 runs off 8 balls) contributed with the bat as Sri Lanka Women comfortably achieved the target in just 10.5 overs. Sri Lanka will now face Pakistan in the Semi Final 2 on Sunday.
