Sri Lanka get Women's Asia Cup title defense underway with convincing win over UAE

Sri Lanka began their Women’s Asia Cup title defence in style, registering a comprehensive nine‑wicket win over hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Saturday, August 29.

The defending champions won the toss and opted to field first in hot and humid conditions. UAE were jolted immediately as Theertha Satish dragged a back‑of‑a‑length delivery from pacer Mithali Ayodhya onto her stumps in the opening over. Ayodhya’s new‑ball partner, Chethana Vimukthi, joined the act soon after, removing Lavanya Keny with a cross‑seam delivery.

Two early setbacks left UAE captain Esha Oza and Heena Hotchandani under pressure, and they struggled to make use of the field restrictions in the powerplay. UAE managed only 22 runs in the first six overs, and the lack of a solid start hurt them significantly.

Oza attempted to break free but perished while trying to play an aerial stroke off Sugandika Kumari. Losing her shape, she sliced the ball straight to Ayodhya at short third. Oza was one of four UAE batters to reach double digits. Heena (10 off 18), Samaira Dharnidharka (17 off 25) and Rinitha Rajith (15 off 16) also got starts but failed to convert them into meaningful contributions.

Ayodhya (3/14) and Vimukthi (3/16) were the standout performers in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, consistently troubling the UAE batters. Left‑arm off‑spinner Kumari (2/18) tightened the screws in the middle overs. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari picked up a wicket each as UAE were bowled out for 79 in 19.5 overs.

The chase turned out to be a stroll for Sri Lanka. Athapaththu (48* off 25) and Imesha Dulani (25 off 18) dominated the powerplay, putting the UAE bowlers under immediate pressure. The pair added 57 in 5.5 overs before Dulani was run out at the non‑striker’s end. Athapaththu drilled a full delivery straight back at Oza, who got her fingertips to the ball, deflecting it onto the stumps with Dulani short of her crease.

That was UAE’s only breakthrough, as Athapaththu unleashed a flurry of powerful strokes to take Sri Lanka home with 73 balls remaining.