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The Women’s Asia Cup is a prestigious cricket tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), designed to foster competition and growth in women’s cricket across Asia. Since its inception in 2004, the tournament has become a significant event in the women’s cricket calendar, initially starting with a 50-over format and later transitioning to the T20 format to adapt to the changing dynamics of the sport. The tournament provides a platform for the top women’s cricket teams in Asia to compete at a high level, showcasing their skills and fostering regional rivalries. Over the years, the Women’s Asia Cup has been instrumental in promoting and developing women’s cricket in the region, contributing to the sport’s increasing popularity and competitiveness.
Significant performances and emerging rivals
The Women’s Asia Cup has witnessed some memorable moments and standout performances from various teams and players. India‘s dominance in the early years set the tone for the tournament, with their consistent performances and multiple title wins establishing them as the team to beat. The emergence of Bangladesh as a competitive side in recent years added a new dimension to the tournament, highlighting the increasing depth and talent in Asian women’s cricket. The tournament has also seen significant contributions from players like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami and, whose performances have left a lasting impact on the competition.
Also READ: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
Here are the T20 World Cup winners and runners up from 2004 to 2022:
1) 2004 – India vs Sri Lanka
- Format: ODI
- Host: Sri Lanka
- Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
- Result: India won by 5-0
Key Performers: Anjum Chopra was named Player for the Series while Anju Jain made 231 runs in the series for India.
The inaugural Women’s Asia Cup took place in Sri Lanka in April 2004, featuring just two teams: India and Sri Lanka. They competed in a five-match One-Day International series, with India winning all five games and securing the title of the first Women’s Asia Cup champion.
2) 2005-06 – India vs. Sri Lanka
- Format: ODI
- Host: Pakistan
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Result: India won by 97 runs
- Match Summary: India: 269/4 in 50 overs | Sri Lanka: 172/9 in 50 overs
Key Performers: Mithali Raj scored a remarkable century, setting a challenging target for Sri Lanka, who struggled to chase.
3) 2006 – India vs Sri Lanka
- Format: ODI
- Host: Pakistan
- Venue:
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Result: India won by eight wickets
- Match Summary: Sri Lanka: 93 all out in 44.1 overs | India: 95/2 in 27.5 overs
Key Performers: Thirush Kamini was named Player of the Series for her all-round performance that included 135 runs and eight wickets for India alongside Dedenu Silva of Sri Lanka who socred 163 runs. On the other hand, Sunetra Paranjpe earned the Player of the Match award
4) 2008 – India vs Sri Lanka
- Format: ODI
- Host: India
- Venue: Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
- Result: India won by 177 runs
- Match Summary: India: 260/7 in 50 overs Sri Lanka: 83 all out in 35.2 overs.
Key Performers: Rumeli Dhar was named Player of the series for scoring 238 runs and also picked up 8 wickets while Asha Rawat won Player of the Match award for her masterful knock of 97 runs.
5) 2012 – India vs Pakistan
- Format: ODI
- Host: China
- Venue: Guanggong International Cricket Stadium, Guangzhou
- Result: India won by 18 runs
- Match Summary: India: 81 all out in 32.1 overs | Pakistan: 63 all out in 29.1 overs
Key Performers: Poonam Raut was named Player of the Match for her gritty knock of 25 runs in the low-scoring encounter while Bismah Maroof of Pakistan earned the Player of the Series award.
6) 2016 – India vs Pakistan
- Format: T20I
- Host: Thailand
- Venue: Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok
- Result: India won by 17 runs
- Match Summary: India: 121/5 in 20 overs | Pakistan: 104/6 in 20 overs
Key Performers: Mithali Raj was instrumental in setting a competitive total, which the Indian bowlers defended effectively. Mithali was eventually named both Player of the Series and Player of the Tournament.
7) 2018 – Bangladesh vs India
- Format: T20I
- Host: Malaysia
- Venue: Kinrara Academy Oval, Kuala Lumpur
- Result: Bangladesh won by 3 wickets
- Match Summary: India: 112/9 in 20 overs | Bangladesh: 113/7 in 20 overs
Key Performers: Rumana Ahmed and Salma Khatun’s all-round performances helped Bangladesh chase the target in a tense finish, marking their first title win. Rumana won the Player of the Match.
8) 2022 – India vs Sri Lanka
- Format: T20I
- Host: Bangladesh
- Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
- Result: India won by 8 wickets
- Match Summary: Sri Lanka: 65/9 in 20 overs | India: 71/2 in 8.3 overs
Key Performers: Smriti Mandhana’s quickfire innings and Deepti Sharma’s exceptional bowling ensured a dominant win for India.
Statistics and Key Highlights
- India: India have been the most successful team in the Women’s Asia Cup history, winning the title seven times.
- Bangladesh: Bangladesh’s victory in 2018 was historic as it marked the first time a team other than India won the tournament.
- Consistent Performers: Players like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Harmanpreet Kaur have been consistent match-winners for India.
- Emerging Teams: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have also shown competitive performances, with Pakistan reaching multiple finals.
