Sri Lanka Women produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat 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 dismantled the UAE batting order for just 79 in 19.5 overs before chasing down the modest target in only 7.5 overs.
Chethana Vimukthi was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 16 runs from her four overs. Mithali Ayodhya also impressed with three wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs, while Sugandika Kumari chipped in with two wickets. Their collective effort ensured UAE never found the momentum needed to post a competitive total.
UAE struggle to build partnerships
UAE Women found run-scoring difficult from the outset as Sri Lanka maintained relentless pressure. Esha Rohit top-scored with 18 from 24 deliveries, striking two boundaries, while Samaira Dharnidharka contributed 17 from 25 balls. Rinitha Rajith added a useful 15 from 16 deliveries, also hitting two fours.
However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Heena Hotchandani made 10, while Lavanya Keny, Mehul Pranav Kulkarni, Vaishnave Mahesh and the lower order struggled to make a significant impact.
Athige Silva 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’s bowling attack was remarkably disciplined. Alongside Vimukthi and Ayodhya, Sugandika returned figures of two for 18, while Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari claimed a wicket apiece. Chamudi Praboda went wicketless but conceded only 12 runs in her three overs.
Chamari Athapaththu finishes the chase in style
Sri Lanka needed little time to erase the deficit, with their top order immediately taking control of the chase. Imesha Dulani 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.
Athapaththu and Dulani put Sri Lanka firmly in command before Dulani’s dismissal brought Sanjana Kavindi 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’s 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’s collapse.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
