Colombo, July 29: After India were humbled by hosts Sri Lanka in the Women's Asia Cup 2024 Final, Head Coach Amol Muzumdar confessed that the team did not play as per potentials.
Despite setting a 166 target before the Lankans, Indian bowlers and fielders failed to deliver the goods, as the hosts romped home with a convincing 8 wickets victory in the summit clash with 8 balls in hand.
Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu (61), Harshitha Samarwickrama (69* and Kavisha Dilhari (30*) played aggressive cricket and stunned the Indian women, to lift their maiden Asia Cup trophy.
The seven-time title winners India, had themselves to blame as they failed to capitalise on the good start provided by their openers. Despite Smriti Mandhana's fighting 47-ball 60, Indian batters got out at regular intervals managing only 165/6 in the allotted 20 overs. They surely fell short by another 20 runs, which they could have scored.
Indian bowlers were off target, ground fielding was sloppy and crucial catches were missed, which compounded India's problems. Indian women were completely shell shocked by the Lankan counter attack even after their skipper Chamari's dismissal.
Muzumdar, however admitted that a bad day on the field, does not mean that the Indian team has not done well. But he admitted that the search for more consistent effort at No 3 batting position, is something the team aims to short out quickly.
But overall, Harmanpreet Kaur led Indian women's team has played good and impressive cricket in the last few months, the coach summed up.