Colombo, Western Province
The Sri Lanka women’s cricket team made a शानदार start to their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign, defeating the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in their opening match. Brilliant bowling performances from Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukthi restricted the UAE to just 79 runs before Sri Lanka chased down the target in only 47 balls.
Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, dominated the contest from the beginning. After being asked to bat first, the UAE women’s team would have hoped to post a competitive total, but the Sri Lankan bowlers did not allow their plans to succeed.
The UAE batters struggled to score runs, with no player able to play a big innings. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the entire UAE team was bowled out for 79 in 19.5 overs.
UAE captain Esha Oza was the top scorer with 18 runs. Samaira Dharnidharka contributed 17 runs, while Rinitha Rajith scored 15. Heena Hotchandani added 10 runs, while the remaining batters failed to reach double figures. Seven UAE players were dismissed for single-digit scores.
Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukthi delivered impressive bowling performances for Sri Lanka. Both bowlers claimed three wickets each, keeping the UAE batters under pressure from the very beginning. Mithali finished with figures of 3 for 14, while Chethana took 3 for 16. Chethana’s performance was particularly significant, as she was named Player of the Match.
Chasing a target of 80, Sri Lanka maintained a strong scoring rate and put the UAE bowlers under pressure. The Sri Lankan batters made full use of the small target and reached the required total in just 47 balls, losing only one wicket.
Chamari Athapaththu played a key role in the chase, remaining unbeaten on 48 runs off 25 balls. Imesha Dulani contributed 25 runs as Sri Lanka completed a commanding nine-wicket victory.
The win was significant for Sri Lanka in several ways. The team prevented the UAE from posting a big total with disciplined bowling and then completed the chase in very little time. The dominant victory will strengthen Sri Lanka’s confidence in the early stages of the tournament.
On the other hand, the match provided important lessons for the UAE. The team will need to strengthen its batting performance and focus on building better partnerships between wickets in the upcoming matches.
