After India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their opening 2024 Women’s Asia Cup match, vice captain Smriti Mandhana made a thoughtful gesture to a young wheelchair-bound cricket fan. In the video that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) posted on its “X” handle, Smriti gave a small fan named Adeesha Herath a smartphone and took a photo with the mother-accompanied child.
“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. e,” captioned the SLC.
Smriti even talked to Adeesha for some time and did a high-five with her at the end of the brief chat. “We came to watch the match unexpectedly as my daughter wanted to go for the match. We met Mandhana madam from the India team and my daughter received a phone from her.”
“It was unexpected, and my daughter is so lucky to receive this gift from her. I’m so happy and thank you for selecting my daughter as the winner,” said Adeesha’s mother in the heart-warming video.
Before the match on Friday, bowlers showed off their skills, highlighted by Deepti Sharma’s 3-20, to dismiss Pakistan for 108 and lay the groundwork for India’s seven-wicket triumph over them.
With 35 balls remaining, Smriti and Shafali Verma combined for an opening partnership of 85 runs off just 57 balls, which enabled India to reach the target. On Sunday afternoon, India, the reigning champions, will play their second Group A match of the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup against Nepal.