Sri Lanka Begin Asia Cup Title Defence With Nine-Wicket Win

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; Sri Lanka Women began their 2026 Women's Asia Cup title defence with a commanding nine-wicket victory over the UAE in Dubai.

After electing to field, Sri Lanka bowled the UAE out for just 79 runs, with Chethana Vimukthi and Mithali Ayodhya taking three wickets each.

In reply, Sri Lanka reached 80 for one in just 7.5 overs.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu smashed an unbeaten 48 off 25 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

Athapaththu also became the first batter to score 500 runs in the Women's Asia Cup.