Inoshi Priyadharshani delivered a stellar performance with career-best figures of 4 for 10, while Anushka Sanjeewani’s quick 32 runs propelled Sri Lanka to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Thailand, securing their spot in the Asian Games semi-finals in Hangzhou.
In the quarter-final, which was reduced to a 15-overs-a-side contest due to rain, Sri Lanka had a straightforward target of 79 runs. They achieved this target in just 10.5 overs.
Persistent rain and a damp outfield caused a delay of nearly an hour and a half before the match finally got underway. After the skies cleared, Sri Lanka chose to field first in the overcast conditions.
Udeshika Prabodhani managed to extract some movement in the air, but it was Inoshi Priyadharshani who wreaked havoc early on, accounting for four of Thailand’s first five wickets. Her impact was immediate, striking twice in her opening over of the second of the innings, to dismiss Suwanan Khiaoto and Natthakan Chantham. In her subsequent over, she dismissed Nannapat Koncharoenkai and later showcased her skills with a smart caught-and-bowled to remove Naruemol Chaiwai.
With Thailand reeling at 37 for 6, the game seemed to be slipping away from them. However, a 29-run partnership between Chanida Sutthiruang and Phannita Maya provided some resistance. Sutthiruang emerged as the highest scorer for Thailand with an unbeaten 31, and remained the sole batswoman to reach double digits. Thailand ultimately managed to post 78 for 7 in their allotted 15 overs.
Chamari Athapaththu and Anushka Sanjeewani made the score chase look easy for Sri Lanka. They reached their 50-run partnership in just the sixth over before Thipatcha Putthawong dismissed Athapaththu, who top-edged a slog sweep.
Putthawong also eliminated Sanjeewani, but by then, the damage was done. Thailand’s chances were hindered by their suboptimal ground fielding, as they committed several misfields and dropped catches.
Harshitha Samarawickrama sealed the victory for Sri Lanka in the 11th over with a well-executed pull over deep square leg shot.
Sri Lanka secured an eight-wicket win with 25 balls to spare, finishing at 84/2 in pursuit of Thailand’s total of 78/7.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the second semi-final on Sunday, September 24th.
