![Smriti Mandhana gifts Sri Lankan fan](https://www.wisden.com/static-assets/waf-images/0c/1a/e5/16-9/VnghwPDLtF.png?v=23.06&w=1200)
Watch: In a wholesome moment, India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana gifted a mobile phone to a young Sri Lankan fan with a disability, after the defending champions beat Pakistan comprehensively in their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 campaign opener on Friday (July 19).
Mandhana had a surprise for a special fan after India crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in their Women’s Asia Cup campaign opener yesterday.
A viral video shared by Sri Lanka Cricket showed the India vice-captain gifting a phone to the young girl in a wheelchair, Adeesha Herath. Mandhana was seen talking to her about whether she enjoyed the match before giving a high-five. To make her day more special, she took a picture with the kid and her mother and signed off with a handshake.
In the match, India skittled Pakistan for 108, thanks to an all-round effort from the bowlers, with Deepti Sharma being the star performer (3-20). In reply, India got off to a strong start, riding on an 85-run opening stand between Mandhana (40 off 29) and Shafali Verma (45 off 31). They gunned down the target in 14.1 overs with seven wickets remaining.
Watch Mandhana's wholesome gesture here:
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 🥺
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 20, 2024
𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞… pic.twitter.com/iqgL2RNE9v
Follow Wisden for all Women's Asia Cup updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.