"One Odd Game, Didn't Play Well": India Head Coach Amol Muzumdar Reflects On Women's Asia Cup Final Loss

Indian women's cricket team head coach Amol Muzumdar said the side didn't play up to their potential in the Women's Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka and lost the record-extending eighth continental title in Dambulla on Sunday. Indian bowlers failed to defend the 166 target against the hosts as Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu (61) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (69*) slammed half-centuries to take the side over the line with eight balls to spare. Kavisha Dilhari remained unbeaten on 30 off 16 balls including two sixes and a four.

Indian bowlers, especially Radha Yadav, leaked too many runs without picking up a wicket. Deepti Sharma was the only Indian bowler to take a wicket in her four overs.

Muzumdar admitted that the team failed to execute their plans right and missed opportunities in the fielding.

"Well actually, to be very honest, in one odd game we didn't play well; we didn't execute whatever we hoped for. But that's about it. We've been dominating right through the last series against South Africa and this tournament also. So I think in one odd game we didn't play to the potential, but credit needs to go where it's supposed to go, and I think Sri Lanka batted really well. I think 165 was a really good total, but I think Sri Lanka batted really well. They got off to a flyer, and we couldn't capitalize on the opportunities that we had. But at the same time, credit needs to go to Sri Lanka for batting really well," he said while speaking exclusively to Star Sports.

"I think in all three departments we have shown some great character. Our batting has been good for the last two months; we've seen that the batting has been really good. The bowlers have done their job; the bowlers have been fantastic in the