In a commanding display, Sri Lanka Women secured a dominant victory over Malaysia Women in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. The match, held at a key venue, showcased an outstanding performance by Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Sri Lanka Sets a Challenging Target
Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 184/4. Chamari Athapaththu led the charge with an unbeaten 119 runs off just 69 balls. Her powerful innings included 14 fours and 7 sixes. Valuable contributions came from Harshitha Samarawickrama and Anushka Sanjeewani, who helped set a challenging target. The Malaysian bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive batting, failing to take early wickets.
Malaysia’s Batting Lineup Collapses
In response, Malaysia Women struggled under pressure, managing only 40 runs in 19.5 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was relentless. Shashini Gimhani was the star bowler, claiming 3 wickets for just 9 runs. She received excellent support from Kawya Kavindi (2 wickets for 7 runs) and Kavisha Dilhari, who took crucial back-to-back wickets. Malaysia’s batting was dismantled, with Elsa Hunter the only batter reaching double figures.
Chamari Athapaththu’s Record-Breaking Century
Chamari Athapaththu’s century marked her third in T20 Internationals, making her the third woman cricketer to reach this milestone. Her leadership and batting prowess raised the bar for the tournament. This performance underscores her reputation as one of women’s cricket’s top players.
Sri Lanka’s Strong Contender Status
This comprehensive win firmly establishes Sri Lanka Women as serious contenders for the Asia Cup title. Athapaththu’s exceptional display not only sealed the victory but also positioned her as a key player to watch in the upcoming matches. Fans and competitors alike will be keeping a close eye on her performances as the tournament progresses.
