In a commanding display of cricketing excellence, Sri Lanka Women stormed to a dominant victory over Malaysia Women in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. The match, held at [Stadium Name], was highlighted by a stellar performance from Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 184/4. Athapaththu was the star of the show, smashing an unbeaten 119 off just 69 balls, an innings that featured 14 fours and 7 sixes. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Anushka Sanjeewani also chipped in with valuable contributions, ensuring a challenging target for Malaysia. The Malaysian bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with no one able to make a significant breakthrough.
In response, Malaysia Women crumbled under the pressure, managing just 40 runs in 19.5 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless, with Shashini Gimhani leading the charge by taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs. She was well-supported by Kawya Kavindi, who claimed 2 for 7, and Kavisha Dilhari, who took back-to-back wickets. The Malaysian batting lineup was decimated, with Elsa Hunter being the only batter to reach double figures.
Chamari Athapaththu’s century, her third in T20Is, made her only the third woman cricketer to achieve this milestone. Her leadership and batting prowess set a high standard for the tournament, underlining her status as one of the top players in women’s cricket.
With such a comprehensive win, Sri Lanka Women have announced themselves as strong contenders for the Asia Cup, sending a clear message to their rivals. Athapaththu’s exceptional performance not only secured the victory but also established her as a key player to watch in the upcoming matches.
