Sri Lanka Women made a commanding start to their Women’s T20 Asia Cup title defence, crushing the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Dubai on Saturday.
Having won the toss and elected to field at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka’s bowlers restricted the hosts to just 79 all out in 19.5 overs. The defending champions then raced to 80 for one in only 7.5 overs, with 73 balls to spare.
Debutant Chethana Vimukthi made an immediate impact on the international stage, claiming 3 for 16 from four overs to earn the Player of the Match award. Mithali Ayodhya was equally impressive, returning 3 for 14 from 3.5 overs, while Sugandika Kumari took two wickets for 18 runs.
UAE struggled to build partnerships after losing opener Theertha Satish for a duck in the fifth ball of the innings. Captain Esha Oza top-scored with 18 from 24 balls, while Samaira Dharnidharka made 17 from 25. Rinitha Rajith contributed 15, but the UAE innings never gained momentum and folded for 79.
Sri Lanka’s chase was even more emphatic. Imesha Dulani smashed 25 off 18 balls, including five fours, before being run out with the score on 57.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu then took control, striking an unbeaten 48 off just 25 balls, with seven fours and two sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 192.00. Sanjana Kavindi remained unbeaten on five as Sri Lanka completed a comprehensive victory.
The result gives Sri Lanka two points in Group B and an early boost in their bid to retain the Asia Cup.
Chief scores
UAE Women: 79 all out in 19.5 overs
Esha Oza 18, Samaira Dharnidharka 17, Rinitha Rajith 15; Mithali Ayodhya 3/14, Chethana Vimukthi 3/16, Sugandika Kumari 2/18.
Sri Lanka Women: 80/1 in 7.5 overs
Chamari Athapaththu 48*, Imesha Dulani 25; Esha Oza 0/25.
