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Sri Lanka Women<\/strong> produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat United Arab Emirates Women<\/strong> by nine wickets in their Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2026<\/strong> Group B clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After electing to bowl first, Sri Lanka\u2019s bowlers dismantled the UAE batting order for just 79 in 19.5 overs before chasing down the modest target in only 7.5 overs.<\/p>\n Chethana Vimukthi<\/strong><\/a> was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 16 runs from her four overs. Mithali Ayodhya<\/strong> also impressed with three wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs, while Sugandika Kumari<\/strong> chipped in with two wickets. Their collective effort ensured UAE never found the momentum needed to post a competitive total.<\/p>\n UAE Women found run-scoring difficult from the outset as Sri Lanka maintained relentless pressure. Esha Rohit<\/strong> top-scored with 18 from 24 deliveries, striking two boundaries, while Samaira Dharnidharka<\/strong><\/a> contributed 17 from 25 balls. Rinitha Rajith<\/strong> added a useful 15 from 16 deliveries, also hitting two fours.<\/p>\n However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Heena Hotchandani<\/strong> made 10, while Lavanya Keny, Mehul Pranav Kulkarni, Vaishnave Mahesh<\/strong> and the lower order struggled to make a significant impact.<\/p>\n Athige Silva<\/strong> provided 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\u2019s bowling attack was remarkably disciplined. Alongside Vimukthi and Ayodhya, Sugandika returned figures of two for 18, while Chamari Athapaththu<\/strong> and Kavisha Dilhari<\/strong> claimed a wicket apiece. Chamudi Praboda<\/strong> went wicketless but conceded only 12 runs in her three overs.<\/p>\n Also READ: Naruemol Chaiwai\u2019s composed knock helps Thailand edge past Hong Kong in Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Sri Lanka needed little time to erase the deficit, with their top order immediately taking control of the chase. Imesha Dulani<\/strong> provided the initial impetus, scoring 25 from 18 balls with five boundaries. Athapaththu then took the attack apart. The Sri Lankan captain smashed an unbeaten 48 from just 25 deliveries, striking seven fours and two sixes. Her aggressive innings ensured the chase was completed with enormous ease.<\/p>\n Athapaththu and Dulani put Sri Lanka firmly in command before Dulani\u2019s dismissal brought Sanjana Kavindi<\/strong> to the crease. Kavindi scored five from four balls, while Athapaththu remained unbeaten as Sri Lanka reached 80\/1 in just 7.5 overs. The nine-wicket victory underlined Sri Lanka\u2019s superiority in the contest and gave them an emphatic start to their Group B campaign. Vimukthi was deservedly named Player of the Match after her three-wicket haul played a central role in UAE\u2019s collapse.<\/p>\n Also READ: Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2026 Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK & other countries<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n This article was first published at WomenCricket.com<\/a>, a Cricket Times<\/a> company.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nUAE struggle to build partnerships<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Chamari Athapaththu finishes the chase in style<\/strong><\/h2>\n