Sri Lanka Women Crush UAE by 9 Wickets in Women's Asia Cup Opener

Defending champions Sri Lanka Women made an emphatic start to their Women's Asia Cup 2026 title defence, thrashing hosts United Arab Emirates by 9 wickets in Dubai, wrapping up the chase in just 7.5 overs for their biggest-ever win in T20Is by balls remaining.

Put in to bowl first, Sri Lanka's attack gave UAE nothing to work with. Debutant Chethana Vimukthi was outstanding on her T20I debut, finishing with 3 for 16 and picking up the Player of the Match award, while Mithali Ayodhya also claimed 3 for 14. Sugandika Kumari chipped in with 2 wickets as UAE were bowled out for just 79 in 19.5 overs, with only Esha Oza (18) and Samaira Dharnidharka (17) offering any real resistance.

The chase was a formality from the outset. Openers Imesha Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu raced to 57 in just 5.5 overs before Dulani was run out for 25. Athapaththu, however, continued in the same vein, striking 7 fours and 2 sixes for an unbeaten 48 off 25 balls, guiding Sri Lanka home at 80 for 1 with the game wrapped up in under 8 overs.

Speaking after the win, Athapaththu praised her new-look pace attack, highlighting the impact of Vimukthi and Ayodhya after years of relying heavily on veteran Udeshika Prabhodini. UAE captain Esha Oza was candid in defeat, admitting her side's failure to post a competitive total left their bowlers with nothing to defend. Sri Lanka's dominant win sends an early statement in Group B, with defending champions looking every bit the team to beat as the tournament progresses.