Top Asia Cup performers to watch out for ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 just over two months away, we take a look at some of the brilliant performances in the Women’s Asia Cup that captivated the audience.
Eight teams were involved in the Women’s Asia Cup, which saw a riveting finale that led to Sri Lanka beating India by eight wickets and clinching their first title.
The tournament showcased some outstanding performers, who will likely play a key role in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be played in October in Bangladesh.
Chamari Athapaththu
Matches - 5, Runs - 304, Average - 101.3, Strike-rate - 146.85, 100s - 1, 50s - 2
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu had a stellar tournament, smashing a 69-ball 114 in the second game against Malaysia and another impactful knock against Thailand in the Group stage. She reserved her best for the knockout stages, smashing a 48-ball 63 in the semi-final against Pakistan and a 43-ball 61 in the final against India.
She is the leading run-scorer in 2024 in women’s T20Is, having amassed 675 runs in 17 matches, at an average of 48.21 and a strike-rate of 134.19. She also made a massive impact in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, where she topped the run charts with 226 runs. All eyes will be on her as she heads to play the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka clinch maiden Women's Asia Cup title
Chamari Athapaththu century guides Sri Lanka | Final | Century Highlights | Women’s T20WC Qualifier 2024
Shafali Verma
Matches - 5, Runs - 200, Average - 50.0, Strike-rate - 140.84, 50s - 1
India’s opener Shafali Verma had a good tournament right until a disappointing final, making scores of 40, 37, 81 and 26*. She finished the tournament as India’s highest run-getter with 200 runs at a strike-rate of over 140.
Shafali’s consistency at the top proved to be pivotal in India’s unbeaten run until the final. Her best came against Nepal, where she made 81 off just 48 balls with 12 fours and one six.
With the T20 World Cup coming up, India will bank on a consistent, yet aggressive, Shafali to provide them with great starts.
Deepti Sharma
Matches - 5, Wickets - 10, Average - 10.0, Economy - 5.0, Best - 3/13
Deepti Sharma finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 10.0 and bowled at an impressive economy rate of 5.0.
She starred in the tournament opener against Pakistan, taking 3/20 in her four overs to win the Player of the Match award. She continued to make an impact in the next game, taking 2/23 with the ball against UAE. Against Nepal, her tournament best of 3/13 ensured the opposition never reached triple figures.
In the final, Deepti snared the big wicket of Athapaththu with the game slipping away from India’s grasp. With the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where conditions are expected to be spin-friendly, expect Deepti to be a key figure for India.
Deepti Sharma became the first India bowler to 100 T20I wickets, thanks to her incredible spell of 3/15 against West Indies at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023.
Kavisha Dilhari
Matches - 5, Wickets - 9, Average - 12.33, Economy - 6.16, Best - 2/4
Kavisha Dilhari was brilliant with the ball for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, coming to the fore in the final to dismiss the in-form India openers and pull Sri Lanka into the contest. She also stepped up with the bat from No.4 in the final, making a vital 16-ball 30 to help Sri Lanka to a first title win.
Dilhari finished with nine wickets in five games, making a profound impact with her spells. She also starred in the semi-final against Pakistan, taking 2/30, which included the wickets of Sidra Ameen and Nida Dar.
She took two wickets apiece in each of her last four games in the tournament after taking one wicket against Bangladesh in the first game. Her all-round role would be critical for Sri Lanka as they continue to soar in T20Is heading into the T20 World Cup.
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Murshida Khatun
Matches - 3, Runs - 134, Average - 44.66, Strike-rate - 108.94, 50s - 2
With two fifties in three games, Bangladesh opener Murshida Khatun was a great addition to the side after she missed the first game in the tournament. The 25-year-old left-hander smashed a 55-ball 50 against Thailand in their win in the second game of the Women’s Asia Cup.
Against Malaysia in the next game, Murshida smashed 80 off just 59 balls from the top of the order to help the team post a massive 191/2 on board. Murshida’s form could be good for Bangladesh as they head to the home T20 World Cup in October.
Sadia Iqbal
Matches - 4, Wickets - 8, Average - 8.37, Economy - 4.72, Best - 4/16
Sadia Iqbal put in her best for Pakistan in the tournament, taking eight wickets at an average of 8.37 and a brilliant economy rate of 4.72. The left-arm spinner kept pulling Pakistan back into the game in the thrilling semi-final clash against Sri Lanka, taking 4/16 in her four overs.
However, despite her efforts, Pakistan crashed out of the tournament with a defeat against Sri Lanka in the semi-final.
Iqbal had also put in impressive performances against Nepal (2/19) and UAE (2/11).
Her left-arm spin and ability to take the new ball would be important for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup later this year in Bangladesh.