India Women defeated Pakistan by seven wickets to start their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 campaign on a bright note. Smriti Mandhana maintained her excellent form, scoring 45 off 31 while attempting to reach a pitiful 109 runs. In just 14.1 overs, India managed to chase down the goal thanks to her and Shafali Verma’s crucial partnership of 85 runs for the first wicket. Following the match, Mandhana made a touching gesture by giving a local Sri Lankan fan with special needs a cell phone.
Following the game, the young child Adeesha Herath, who was in a wheelchair with her mother, was approached by the famous Indian hitter. Before giving her a cell phone, she greeted her and inquired as to whether she liked them. Following the meeting, the girl’s mother said that they had not planned on making this move and were only at the stadium to enjoy themselves.
“My daughter wanted to go to the match, so we suddenly came to watch the match. My daughter received a phone call from Mandhana madam, who is from the Indian team, whom we met. She remarked, “My daughter is very fortunate to receive this gift from her, and it was unexpected.”
“Despite all the obstacles, Adeesha Herath’s passion for cricket brought her to the stadium. The pinnacle of her day? A surprise meeting with Smriti Mandhana, her favourite cricket player, who gave her a cell phone as a thank you gift “Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) tweeted.
Also Read: ‘The positivity he gives to the group is incredible’—Sneh Rana praises Amol Muzumdar’s impact on India
Here’s the video of Mandhana’s gesture toward girl:
Adeesha Herath’s love for cricket brought her to the stadium, despite all the challenges. The highlight of her day? A surprise encounter with her favorite cricketer, Smriti Mandhana, who handed her a mobile phone as a token of appreciation 🥺
𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞… pic.twitter.com/iqgL2RNE9v
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 20, 2024
At home, India rules white ball cricket.
India came into the competition fresh off a convincing victory in the multi-format series over South Africa. They defeated the visitors 3-1 in the ODI series, won the One-Off Test, and then tied the T20I series 1-1. They have won the Asia Cup seven times, for those who are unaware, and will be defending the title in Sri Lanka against seven other nations.