Sri Lanka's Commanding Win Over Malaysia in Women's Asia Cup

Athapaththu's Masterclass Powers Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu's career-best unbeaten 119 off 69 balls led Sri Lanka to a comprehensive 144-run victory over Malaysia in the Women's Asia Cup match held at Dambulla. Athapaththu's explosive performance included seven sixes and fourteen boundaries, propelling Sri Lanka to their highest T20I total of 184/4. Malaysia, in response, managed a mere 40 runs, succumbing to a dominant Sri Lankan bowling attack.

Sri Lanka's Innings: Athapaththu Shines

Powerplay Highlights: Despite losing an early wicket to Malaysia's Suabika Manivannan, Athapaththu took charge. Partnering with Harshitha Samarawickrama, she ensured steady runs, adding 41/1 in the powerplay. The duo's 64-run partnership set a solid foundation.

Middle Overs Surge: Athapaththu capitalized on Malaysia's errors, hitting anything short, wide, or overpitched. She accelerated after reaching her half-century off 35 balls, smashing back-to-back sixes and raising Sri Lanka's hundred in the 12th over. Malaysia's bowlers struggled to contain her.

Death Overs Domination: In the final overs, Athapaththu's onslaught continued as she hammered sixes at will. She reached her century in style, driving Sri Lanka to a record 184/4. Despite losing a couple of wickets in the last over, the damage was done.

Malaysia's Struggles: Gimhani's Dream Debut

Powerplay Collapse: Malaysia's chase faltered from the start. Kawya Kavindi struck early, removing the Malaysian captain for a duck. Shashini Gimhani, making her debut, took two crucial wickets, reducing Malaysia to 21/3 in the powerplay.

Middle Overs Misery: Malaysia's middle order failed to recover, managing just 15 runs for three wickets. Inoshi Priyadarshini and Ama Kanchana tightened the grip, while Sachini Nisansala took a key wicket, leaving Malaysia reeling.

Death Overs Finish: With the target out of reach, Malaysia's tailenders could only muster four runs in the final overs. Gimhani, Kavindi, and Kavisha Dilhari cleaned up the lower order, securing Sri Lanka's massive win and boosting their Net Run Rate significantly.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka: 184/4 in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 119*; Winifred Duraisingam 2-34)

Malaysia: 40 all out in 19.5 overs (Shashini Gimhani 3-9, Kawya Kavindi 2-7)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 144 runs

What's Next?

Sri Lanka, nearly assured of a top-two finish, will face Thailand in their final group game on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Malaysia, still winless, will take on Bangladesh earlier that same day.

Athapaththu's Heroics and Gimhani's Stellar Debut Propel Sri Lanka to Victory

Chamari Athapaththu's Record-Breaking Century

Chamari Athapaththu delivered a batting masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 119 to guide Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 184/4 against Malaysia. This innings marked her third T20I century and the first at home, showcasing her dominance. Athapaththu's knock included seven sixes and fourteen boundaries, dismantling the Malaysian bowling attack.

Early Setback, Steady Recovery

Vishmi Gunaratne's early dismissal for 1 didn't deter Athapaththu, who found ample support from Harshitha Samarawickrama. The pair added 64 runs, stabilizing the innings. Athapaththu then unleashed a flurry of boundaries, reaching her half-century with ease and setting the stage for a high total.

Relentless Attack in Death Overs

Athapaththu's acceleration in the death overs was breathtaking. She smashed multiple sixes, including two off Aisya Eleesa, reaching her century off just 63 balls. Sri Lanka scored 99 runs in the final nine overs, with Anushka Sanjeewani contributing 31 off 24 balls. The innings ended at 184/4, Sri Lanka's highest T20I score.

Gimhani's Dream Debut

Shashini Gimhani, a 15-year-old ambidextrous spinner, made a memorable debut, taking 3 for 9. Her left-arm wrist spin dismantled Malaysia's top order, leaving them at 21/3 in the powerplay. Gimhani's fearless bowling and Malaysia's inability to counter her spin highlighted the stark contrast between the teams.

Malaysia's Inning: A Tale of Woes

Malaysia never recovered from their early setbacks. Gimhani, Kavindi, and Dilhari's disciplined bowling restricted Malaysia to just 40 runs. Elsa Hunter's two boundaries were the only bright spots in an otherwise dismal batting performance.

Comprehensive Victory

Sri Lanka's emphatic win by 144 runs boosted their Net Run Rate and solidified their position in Group B. With the semifinal spot nearly secured, they now focus on their next match against Thailand.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka: 184/4 (Chamari Athapaththu 119*; Winifred Duraisingam 2-34)

Malaysia: 40 (Shashini Gimhani 3-9)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 144 runs

Looking Ahead

Sri Lanka, on a high from this victory, will face Thailand next, while Malaysia seeks their first win against Bangladesh.