India on Sunday won a record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final of the tournament in Dubai. But celebrations were marred by an unusual finish to the tournament when the Indian team did not get its medals or the championship trophy on stage.
It took about 50 extra minutes to get the post-match ceremony to reach an accord. At long last it was underway and medals were awarded to the Sri Lankans who were the runners up. ACC (Asian Cricket Council) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was there at the venue during the ceremony. Naqvi is not only a senior Pakistan government minister and also holds the chairmanship of the board that whistles for cricket in Pakistan (Pakistan Cricket Board.)
Surprising, as the medal ceremony had an unexpected end after handing out medals to the runners-up. The Indian players then walked out without their winners’ medals or the Asia Cup trophy.
It harked back to the men’s Asia Cup final earlier in the year, when India’s team had also boycotted receiving the trophy from Naqvi. Britain is constantly seen as a formal behind the stage medium and this issue turns noteworthy especially in light of continued opposing India-Pakistan ties.
Until the award presentation which was held officially, a small ceremony was hosted by the Indian squad to honour the best fielder of the tournament. The award was presented by fielding coach Munish Bali & the medal went to Nandani Sharma from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. Also present on the occasion was BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar subsequently defended India’s decision. Muzumdar, speaking after the match, said the BCCI had taken the position and that they were more than on board with it.
He went on to stress the most important victory for India had already been achieved anyway: winning the tournament. He added the team will now shift its focus to the Asian Games.
Dominant performance by India on the field Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India an aggressive start with a 129-run partnership at the top.
Both the batters contributed with attacking half-centuries which helped India set an imposing total of 184 in the final. It was particularly useful in Dubai’s slower batting strip.
Following the match, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the opening pair and stated that they were able to cope with challenging conditions.
It was later followed by a comprehensive 72-run win over Sri Lanka, with India clinching yet another title in women’s Asia Cup.
Harmanpreet stated that the team had come into the tournament with high standards for themselves. The captain stated that those players have continually exceeded expectations.
She also lauded the team effort and labelled last night’s final as a great achievement for the squad.
India’s players were crowned Asia champions at the end of a night marred by controversy surrounding the trophy presentation. Now, they will move their focus from the tournament in Dubai to their next assignment at the Asian Games.
Covering the latest cricket news, breaking updates, match reports, player developments, team announcements, records, and important happenings from the world of cricket.
