The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is just over two months away. Let’s take a closer look at some standout performers from the Women’s Asia Cup, who captivated audiences and are expected to shine in the upcoming tournament.
Eight teams participated in the Women’s Asia Cup, culminating in a thrilling finale where Sri Lanka defeated India by eight wickets to claim their first title. The tournament showcased some outstanding players who are likely to be key figures in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this October.
Chamari Athapaththu
Matches: 5 | Runs: 304 | Average: 101.3 | Strike-rate: 146.85 | 100s: 1 | 50s: 2
Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, had a stellar tournament. She scored a 69-ball 114 against Malaysia and another impactful knock against Thailand during the group stage. Her best performances came during the knockout stages, with a 48-ball 63 in the semi-final against Pakistan and a 43-ball 61 in the final against India.
Athapaththu 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 topped the run charts in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier with 226 runs. All eyes will be on her as she heads to play the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Shafali Verma
Matches: 5 | Runs: 200 | Average: 50.0 | Strike-rate: 140.84 | 50s: 1
India’s opener Shafali Verma had a good tournament until a disappointing final. She made scores of 40, 37, 81, and 26*, finishing as India’s highest run-getter with 200 runs at a strike-rate of over 140.
Shafali’s consistency at the top was 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 approaching, India will rely on Shafali’s aggressive starts.
Deepti Sharma
Matches: 5 | Wickets: 10 | Average: 10.0 | Economy: 5.0 | Best: 3/13
Deepti Sharma finished as the leading wicket-taker, with 10 wickets at an average of 10.0 and an 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 impact the next game, taking 2/23 against UAE, and achieved her tournament-best of 3/13 against Nepal.
In the final, Deepti claimed the crucial wicket of Athapaththu, though the game was slipping away from India. With the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where conditions are expected to be spin-friendly, Deepti will be a key figure for India.
Kavisha Dilhari
Matches: 5 | Wickets: 9 | Average: 12.33 | Economy: 6.16 | Best: 2/4
Kavisha Dilhari excelled with the ball for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, notably in the final, where she dismissed India’s in-form openers and pulled Sri Lanka into contention. She also contributed with the bat, scoring a crucial 16-ball 30 in the final to help Sri Lanka secure their first title win.
Dilhari finished with nine wickets in five games, making a significant impact with her spells. She starred in the semi-final against Pakistan, taking 2/30, which included the wickets of Sidra Ameen and Nida Dar. Her all-round role will be critical for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.
Murshida Khatun
Matches: 3 | Runs: 134 | Average: 44.66 | Strike-rate: 108.94 | 50s: 2
Bangladesh opener Murshida Khatun was a standout performer, scoring two fifties in three games. After missing the first game, she made an immediate impact with a 55-ball 50 against Thailand. She followed this with an 80 off 59 balls against Malaysia, helping her team post a massive 191/2.
Murshida’s form is a positive sign for Bangladesh as they head into the home T20 World Cup in October. Her performances at the top of the order will be crucial for Bangladesh’s success.
Sadia Iqbal
Matches: 4 | Wickets: 8 | Average: 8.37 | Economy: 4.72 | Best: 4/16
Sadia Iqbal shone for Pakistan, taking eight wickets at an average of 8.37 and an economy rate of 4.72. The left-arm spinner was instrumental in pulling Pakistan back into the game during the semi-final against Sri Lanka, taking 4/16.
Despite her efforts, Pakistan fell short in the semi-final. Sadia also impressed against Nepal (2/19) and UAE (2/11). Her left-arm spin and ability to bowl with the new ball will be vital for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Conclusion
The Women’s Asia Cup showcased several outstanding performers who are expected to play key roles in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. Chamari Athapaththu, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Kavisha Dilhari, Murshida Khatun, and Sadia Iqbal have all demonstrated their abilities to impact games significantly. As the T20 World Cup approaches, fans can look forward to watching these talented players compete on the global stage. Their performances will not only be crucial for their respective teams but also provide thrilling cricketing action for audiences worldwide.
