[Watch] Harmanpreet Kaur drops a sitter to hand Sri Lanka huge advantage in run chase during 2024 Women's Asia Cup final
India women's team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur had a forgettable day in the field during the 2024 Women's Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday, July 28. After a mere run-a-ball 11 in the first innings, she also dropped a simple opportunity that could have sent the settled Harshita Samarawickrama back in the dressing room.
Sri Lanka were moving along well in the run chase, maintaining the required run rate courtesy of a steady partnership between skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshita Samarawickrama. Deepti Sharma provided the crucial breakthrough in the 12th delivery by dismissing the Sri Lanka captain.
India were desperate for another breakthrough to put pressure on the rest of the batting unit, especially since the third-wicket partnership started gaining momentum from the word go. The Women in Blue were handed the opportunity when Harshita Samarawickrama tried to clear mid-off in the 16th over bowled by Deepti Sharma.
The left-handed batter could not get enough elevation to clear Harmanpreet Kaur at mid-off. However, the Indian skipper made a mess of a simple opportunity as the ball spilled off her hands to hand Sri Lanka a huge reprieve.
Have a look at the dropped catch right here:
India were made to pay as Harshita Samarawickrama remained unbeaten until the end to guide Sri Lanka to the target with eight balls to spare.
"Today we made a lot of fumbles which is why we lost" - Harmanpreet Kaur
The Women in Blue had a near-perfect tournament with dominant wins in the group stages and the semi-finals to make it to the finals unbeaten. However, a lethargic bowling and fielding effort potentially cost them a title, as Sri Lanka secured their first-ever Women's Asia Cup trophy.
"We played very good cricket throughout. Today we made a lot of fumbles which is why we lost. It was a decent total. The powerplay didn't go how we wanted, we wanted some wickets. There are a lot of areas to improve. We'll work hard in the coming days. They have been playing good cricket for a long time. I know they have done well. Congratulations to them," Harmanpreet Kaur said during the post-match presentation.
Harshita Samarawickrama was adjudged as Player of the Match for her unbeaten 69 runs off 51 deliveries.