Dambulla (Sri Lanka), July 27: As India dream to win their 8th Women's Asia Cup title on Sunday, they face the same old challenge in form of Chamari Athapaththu.
But the Sri Lankan skipper Chamari is not alone this time. She too has a bunch of spirited young women, who have shown enough courage, grit and commitment to challenge the rivals and register crucial victories.
Against Pakistan in the second semi-final on Friday, Chamari was dismissed after scoring a majestic 63 in 48 balls, which included 9 fours and a huge towering six.
Lankan opener Chamari was out in 16.4 overs, while playing a needless reverse sweep. At that stage, Lanka still needed 21 runs in 20 balls. The game was evenly poised as Pakistan sensed victory after Chamari's exit.
But Lanka wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani played gem of an innings with an unbeaten 24 in 22 balls. She not only guided the hosts home with a 3 wickets memorable semifinal victory on their home soil, but also ended NIda Dar led Pakistani brave hearts' campaign in the tournament.
Earlier, in Chamari's company at the crease, Harshitha Samarwickrama (12) and Kavisha Dilhari (17) ensured that the score-board keeps moving and their skipper is not overburdened.
Towards the end, Sugandika Kumari too contributed with a 9-ball 10 runs and with Anushka Sanjeewani bolstered Lanka's entry into the final.
Reigning champions India have won the Asia Cup seven times, which includes both the ODI and T20I formats. Being the title favourites and the most formidable team in Asia, Indian women definitely would fancy their chances to lift the trophy again.
But on Sunday, Harmanpreet Kaur led India will also have to face the lively Lanka crowd in Dambulla, when they meet Chamari led home side in their familiar surroundings.
No doubt, India have been ruthless in the tournament so far. They won all their three matches in Group A and beat Bangladesh by 10 wickets in the first semifinal. They have dominated their rivals in all three departments and have shown enough quality and spirit.
But India have to come out with better plans and execute the same effectively, to stop the best woman batter in the world Chamari from flourishing again. Because with her merciless hitting abilities, she can change the fate of a match in a span of few overs.
If India can get Chamari early and Indian top order can deliver the goods again, it could be another Asia Cup final in their favour.
Comparing fielding and bowling standards, player to player match-ups and match experience track records, India certainly hold the edge over the hosts.
But the key challenge for them would be to get Chamari out as early as possible. Because if she hangs around for long, with her own batting prowess and her influence on her batting partners, she can stun India.
Hopefully, India's Head Coach Amol Mumzumdar, skipper Kaur and team management will have a different and successful plan to contain and get rid of Chamari in the first few overs of Sri Lankan innings. If they can achieve that, India may return home with the 8th Asia Cup trophy in their kitty.
