On this day, sixteen years ago, India won the final of the 50-over Women’s Asia Cup for the second successive time, this time in Karachi, Pakistan. Mithali Raj went on to play a match-winning knock of 108 runs in the final against Sri Lanka.
Women’s Asia Cup 2005-06 was played in Pakistan between the hosts, India and Sri Lanka. The dominant Indian side was unbeaten throughout the series whereas, Sri Lanka won two matches against Pakistan to reach the final.
The final was played between India and Sri Lanka at National Stadium, Karachi. Indian captain Mithali Raj won the toss and elected to bat first. Opening pair Mithali Raj and Jaya Sharma went on to form a 94-run stand.
Sharma scored 62 runs before getting out to Shashikala Siriwardene. She was also the highest run-scorer of the tournament. Raj was then joined by Anjum Chopra and the duo formed a 104-run partnership for the second wicket. Chopra scored 42 runs before getting run out. Raj scored unbeaten 108 runs off 121 balls which included 7 fours. This was also her 2nd hundred in international cricket. India scored 269/4 in 50 overs.
Consequently, India kept Sri Lanka under pressure and never gave a chance to take it forward despite Chamari Polgampola’s 58 and Siriwardene’s 55. Devika Palshikar, who was just playing her 2nd match, took 3 wickets.
She was also the player of the match for her 3/12 against Pakistan in the earlier match. Anita Sharma and Neetu David took 2 wickets each. David was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. India won the final match by 97 runs. Raj was the player of the match for her 108 runs.
IMAGE- AFP
