Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka to Big Win Over MalaysiaChamari Athapaththu scored her career-best 119* to help Sri Lanka crush Malaysia by 144 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup match at Dambulla on Monday. The captain hit 7 sixes and 14 boundaries, leading Sri Lanka to their highest T20I total of 184/4. Malaysia struggled and only managed to score 40 in response.

Sri Lanka

PowerPlay: Strong start despite early setback

Malaysia’s Suabika Manivannan got an early breakthrough by dismissing a Sri Lankan batter with her first ball. However, Athapaththu took control, partnering with Harshitha Samarawickrama to add 64 runs. The duo hit boundaries in every over, with Athapaththu especially aggressive against Aisya Eleesa, adding 14 runs in the final over of the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: Athapaththu takes charge

Malaysia’s inexperience showed as they bowled poorly, and Athapaththu capitalized on every mistake. She reached her half-century in 35 balls and led the team to 100 runs by the 12th over. Malaysia had no answers as Athapaththu continued her assault. Samarawickrama was eventually bowled by Mahirah Izzati Ismail, who took her 50th T20I wicket.

Death overs: Sri Lanka sets record score

In the final overs, Athapaththu dominated the Malaysian bowlers, hitting sixes with ease. Despite some fielding errors by Malaysia, Athapaththu powered on, reaching her century off 63 balls. She led Sri Lanka to their highest T20I score of 184/4. Malaysia managed to take two wickets in the final balls to limit further damage.

Malaysia

Powerplay: Early collapse of batting order

Kawya Kavindi, playing her first game of the tournament, made an immediate impact by dismissing the Malaysian captain for a four-ball duck. Shashini Gimhani, a teenage left-arm wrist spinner, took two more wickets, reducing Malaysia to 21/3 in the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: No runs, No boundaries for Malaysia

Inoshi Priyadarshini started the middle overs by taking a wicket, with Ainna Hamizah Hashim caught at cover. Ama Kanchana nearly took another wicket, but the chance was missed. However, Ismail was soon bowled by Kanchana. Sachini Nisansala then took another wicket, leaving Malaysia struggling with only 15 runs in the middle overs.

Death overs: Sri Lanka secures big win

With a required run rate of over 30, Malaysia managed just one run per over in the final phase before being bowled out on the penultimate ball. Gimhani and Kavindi took one wicket each, while Kavisha Dilhari dismissed two lower-order batters in consecutive balls. Sri Lanka’s massive win boosted their net run rate and nearly secured them a spot in the semifinals. The victory also placed Sri Lanka at the top of Group B.

Player of the Match (Chamari Athapaththu)

“Really happy today because I played good cricket. The main reason is because my mom is also watching. She has sacrificed a lot for me. Thank you very much, mama. I enjoy my cricket everyday in the middle. I know how to handle pressure. I just keep it simple. We made four changes because we need to give opportunities to youngsters with the World Cup coming up.”