Sri Lanka made a winning start to their campaign by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets in the second match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Led by a disciplined bowling performance from fast bowler Chetana Vimukthi, Sri Lanka first dismissed the UAE for just 79 runs and then achieved the target with 47 balls to spare.

Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Chetna and Mithali storm UAE, Sri Lanka wins by a lopsided nine wickets

Bowlers dominate: UAE innings bundled out for 79 runs

Electing to bat first after losing the toss, the United Arab Emirates had a disastrous start.

Seven UAE batsmen couldn’t even reach double figures due to the Sri Lankan bowlers’ precise line and length. The team was all out for 79 runs in 19.5 overs. Captain Isha Ojha top-scored for the UAE with 18 runs. Others, Samaira Dharnidharka (17), Rinitha Rajit (15) and Heena Hotchandani (10) contributed.

For Sri Lanka, Chetana Vimukthi took 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs at an economy rate of 4.

Mithali Ayodhya, meanwhile, displayed excellent economical bowling, taking 3 wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs. Spinner Sugandhika Kumari also bowled tightly, taking 2 wickets.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu’s fiery innings

Chasing a modest target of 80, the Sri Lankans adopted an aggressive approach. Openers Imesha Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu made the match a one-sided affair with a quickfire 57-run opening partnership in 35 balls.

Dulani was run out in the final over of the powerplay. She scored 25 runs in 18 balls, hitting five fours.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu then remained unbeaten to finish the match. Athapaththu smashed 48 runs off just 25 balls, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes. Sanjana Kavindi remained unbeaten on 5 runs, and Sri Lanka won the match by scoring 81 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 7.5 overs. Chethana Vimukthi was named Player of the Match.

Key statistics of the match

• UAE innings: 79/10 (19.5 overs) – Isha Ojha (18)
• Sri Lanka bowling: Mithali Ayodhya (3/14), Chetana Vimukthi (3/16)
• Sri Lanka innings: 81/1 (7.5 overs) – Chamari Athapaththu (48*)
• Result: Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets (47 balls remaining)