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India’s title defense began spectacularly as an all-round performance saw them triumph over Pakistan by seven wickets in the Women’s Asia Cup at Dambulla on Friday. Beyond the field, Indian opener Smriti Mandhana made headlines with a heartwarming gesture that captivated fans worldwide.
Following the match, cricketer Smriti Mandhana met a young, specially-abled fan named Adeesha Herath, who attended the game in a wheelchair to witness the clash between the archrivals. Smriti not only shook hands with Adeesha but also gifted her a smartphone, creating a memorable moment for the young fan. The Indian star then posed for a picture with Adeesha, adding a personal touch to the fan’s day.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) celebrated this touching interaction with Smriti Mandhana on social media, tweeting:
“Adeesha Herath’s love for cricket brought her to the stadium, despite all the challenges. The highlight of her day? A surprise encounter with her favorite cricketer, Smriti Mandhana, who handed her a mobile phone as a token of appreciation. Moments like these show the true spirit of the game. #WomensAsiaCup2024 #ACC #HerStory @ACCMedia1”
Adeesha’s mother expressed her gratitude to Smriti for her kind gesture, emphasizing its positive impact on her daughter.
On the field, Pakistan opted to bat first but struggled as Indian bowlers kept taking wickets regularly. Sidra Ameen (25 off 35 balls), Tuba Hassan (22 off 19 balls), and Fatima Sana (22* off 16 balls) provided some resistance, but it was not enough to post a challenging total.
India’s bowling attack was led by Deepti Sharma (3/20), Shreyanka Patil (2/14), and Renuka Singh (2/14), with Pooja Vastrakar also chipping in with two wickets.
In pursuit of the target, India got off to a solid start with an 85-run partnership between Shafali Verma (40 off 29 balls) and Smriti Mandhana (45 off 31 balls). Despite losing some wickets, India managed to secure the win with seven wickets in hand and 35 balls to spare.
Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling performance, contributing significantly to India’s successful start in the Women’s Asia Cup campaign.
