Defending champions Sri Lanka thump UAE by nine wickets to get off the mark in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Chasing 80, Sri Lanka got to their target with 73 balls to spare, which is their biggest win in T20Is in terms of balls remaining.
Sri Lankan bowlers dominate
Mithali Ayodhya (3/14) and Chethana Vimukthi (3/16) wreaked havoc with the ball to initially wreak havoc in the UAE batting line-up and they got excellent support from the other bowlers as well. Sugandika Kumari picked up two, while Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with a wicket apiece.
The UAE did not have a single good partnership. In fact, their highest was 19 off 21 between skipper Esha Oza and Heena Hotchandani. Oza also top-scored for her side, hitting 18 off 24.
Athapaththu finishes off the job
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start, reaching 58/1 in the powerplay itself to effectively kill the game. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu smashed an unbeaten 48 off just 25 deliveries, and put on 57 off just 35 deliveries for the first wicket with Imesha Dulani (25). Dulani’s innings was cut short after she was run out by Oza.
It was a tough day for the UAE bowlers, who barely had anything to defend. They will hope that their batters put up a better show in the next game against Indonesia on September 4 in Dubai.
Sri Lanka also take on Indonesia next on September 2. Another thumping win in that game could very well be enough for them to make the semis.
Brief scores:
UAE Women 79 in 19.5 overs (Esha Oza 18, Samaira Dharnidharka 17; Mithali Ayodhya 3/14) lost to Sri Lanka Women 80/1 in 7.5 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 48*, Imsha Dulani 25) by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Chethana Vimukthi
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