Sri Lanka Women delivered a dominant all‑round performance, defeating United Arab Emirates Women by nine wickets in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Group B clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After electing to bowl first, Sri Lanka’s bowlers reduced the UAE batting order to 79 for 19.5 overs, and the hosts chased the target in just 7.5 overs.
Chethana Vimukthi was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 16 runs from her four overs. Mithali Ayodhya also impressed, claiming three wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs, while Sugandika Kumari added two wickets. Their collective effort prevented UAE from building any momentum.
UAE struggled to build partnerships
UAE Women found run‑scoring difficult from the outset as Sri Lanka applied relentless pressure. Esha Rohit top‑scored with 18 runs off 24 balls, including two boundaries, while Samaira Dharnidharka contributed 17 runs from 25 deliveries, while Rinitha Rajith added a useful 15 runs off 16 balls, also hitting two fours.
However, wickets fell at regular intervals. Heena Hotchandani scored 10, while Lavanya Keny, Mehul Pranav Kulkarni, Vaishnave Mahesh and the lower order struggled to make a significant impact.
Athige Silva gave a brief late spark with four runs from just two balls, including a boundary, but UAE were eventually bowled out for 79 with one ball remaining in their innings. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was remarkably disciplined. Alongside Vimukthi and Ayodhya, Sugandika returned figures of two for 18, while Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari each took a wicket. Chamudi Praboda went wicketless but conceded only 12 runs in her three overs.
Chamari Athapaththu Finishes the Chase in Style
Sri Lanka required little time to erase the deficit, with their top order immediately taking control of the chase. Imesha Dulani provided the initial impetus, scoring 25 runs off 18 balls with five boundaries. Athapaththu then took the attack apart, smashing an unbeaten 48 off 25 deliveries, including seven fours and two sixes. Her aggressive innings ensured the chase was completed with ease.
Athapaththu and Dulani put Sri Lanka firmly in command before Dulani’s dismissal brought Sanjana Kavindi to the crease. Kavindi scored five runs off four balls, while Athapaththu remained unbeaten as Sri Lanka reached 80/1 in just 7.5 overs. The nine‑wicket victory underscored Sri Lanka’s superiority and gave them an emphatic start to their Group B campaign. Vimukthi was deservedly named Player of the Match for her three‑wicket haul, which played a central role in UAE’s collapse.
