Chamari Athapaththu’s hat-trick and seven-for lead Sri Lanka to 2nd successive win

Sri Lanka women’s cricket team captain Chamari Athapaththu’s career-best bowling performance led her side to a second successive win in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. The defending champions hammered Indonesia by 75 runs in Match 6 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Athapaththu was the star of the show, delivering her career-best bowling spell, registering figures of 7/5 in 3.3 overs. She also picked up a hat-trick to finish off the innings, becoming the first woman from her country to secure a T20I hat-trick. 

Athapaththu’s figures are also best-ever for Sri Lanka in women's T20Is, fourth-best overall and best among full-member nations. Courtesy of her performance, Indonesia were skittled for just 49 in 18.3 overs, in reply to Sri Lanka’s score of 124/7.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka got off to a disastrous start to their innings after Indonesia captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini won the toss and opted to bowl. Ni Luh Dewi (3/32) and Sang Maypriani (2/19) ran through their batting lineup, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 62/6.

However, Nilakshika Silva scored a brilliant half-century to help her team recover from a precarious position to post 124/7 in their allotted 20 overs. She played a magnificent innings of 50 (35) laced with three fours and a six. Nilashika stitched a 50-run stand off 36 balls for the seventh wicket alongside Kawya Kavindi (15 off 19) that helped Sri Lanka cross the 120-run mark.

Chamari shares Player of the Match award

Meanwhile, following their massive win, Chamari Athapaththu was adjudged Player of the Match for her sensational bowling display. However, in a heartwarming moment, the Sri Lanka skipper didn’t let Nilakshika’s half-century go unnoticed and shared her Player of the Match with her teammate. 

Following their win, Sri Lanka women maintained their top position in Group B with four points, while Indonesia are third, yet to open their account after two matches.