Sri Lanka Women began their 2026 Women's Asia Cup title defence in impressive fashion, defeating the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Dubai.
Batting first after being asked to do so, UAE were bowled out for just 79 runs in 19.5 overs.
Sri Lanka's new-ball bowlers Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukthi were the stars with the ball, taking three wickets each. Ayodhya finished with 3 for 14, while T20I debutant Vimukthi claimed 3 for 16.
UAE struggled throughout their innings against Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling attack. Captain Esha Oza top-scored with 18 runs, but the hosts could only manage 79.
Chasing 80, Sri Lanka made light work of the target, reaching 80 for 1 in just 7.5 overs to seal a nine-wicket victory with plenty of deliveries to spare.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with an unbeaten 48 off just 25 balls, including boundaries and a six, as Sri Lanka cruised to victory.
Athapaththu's six also took her past 500 runs in the Women's Asia Cup, making her the first batter to reach the landmark in the tournament's history.
Opener Imesha Dulani made a brisk start to the chase before being unfortunately run out. However, Athapaththu ensured there were no further setbacks, finishing the chase in emphatic style.
The victory gives Sri Lanka a perfect start to their campaign as they look to defend the Women's Asia Cup title they won for the first time in 2024.
