Athapaththu and Dilhari Shine as Sri Lanka Storm Into Asian Games Semifinal
Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari delivered impressive all-round performances as Sri Lanka defeated Malaysia by 86 runs in the third quarter-final of the 2026 Asian Games women’s cricket tournament. Athapaththu struck 63 from 37 balls while Dilhari added an unbeaten 44 before both players returned to claim two wickets each.
Sri Lanka secured their place in the semifinal of the women's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding 86-run victory over Malaysia at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on September 18.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari were at the centre of Sri Lanka's dominant performance. Athapaththu produced an aggressive 63 from 37 deliveries before taking two wickets, while Dilhari finished unbeaten on 44 from 27 balls and followed it up with two wickets.
Sri Lanka Choose to Bat First
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first but endured a relatively quiet opening. They managed only 10 runs during the first four overs and also lost Imesha Dulani early in the innings.
The momentum changed dramatically in the fifth over when Athapaththu attacked Aisya Eleesa, collecting 23 runs from the over. Hasini Perera then added two boundaries in the following over as Sri Lanka reached 38/1 at the end of the Powerplay.
Athapaththu Leads the Batting Charge
Athapaththu quickly transformed the innings with her trademark attacking approach. The Sri Lankan captain reached her half-century from just 28 balls, bringing up the milestone with a six during the 11th over.
She eventually scored 63 from 37 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes. Her innings provided the foundation for Sri Lanka to build a strong total after their slow start.
Important Partnerships Build the Total
Athapaththu and Hasini Perera put together an 80-run partnership that gave Sri Lanka control of the innings. Malaysia eventually broke the stand through Nurin Imanina, who also removed the other established batter soon afterwards.
However, Malaysia could not sustain the pressure. Kavisha Dilhari joined Harshitha Samarawickrama and the pair added another 62 runs, ensuring Sri Lanka finished strongly.
Dilhari Finishes With an Unbeaten 44
Dilhari was particularly destructive during the closing overs. She scored all six of her boundaries after the 16th over and finished unbeaten on 44 from 27 balls.
Her late acceleration pushed Sri Lanka to 160/4 after 20 overs, leaving Malaysia with a target of 161.
Malaysia Lose Early Wickets
Malaysia's chase suffered immediately. Ainna Hamizah Hashim was run out in the opening over before Dilhari struck twice during the sixth over.
Dilhari dismissed Wan Julia and Mas Elysa with successive deliveries, leaving Malaysia at 25/3 at the end of the Powerplay.
Sri Lanka's Bowlers Keep Malaysia Under Pressure
The Malaysian batters struggled to find boundaries against Sri Lanka's disciplined attack. Between the seventh and 18th overs, Malaysia managed only 40 runs and hit just one boundary.
The slow scoring rate made the target increasingly difficult to chase, while Sri Lanka continued to take wickets at important moments.
Athapaththu Completes Her All-Round Contribution
Athapaththu returned to the attack during the 19th over and claimed two wickets, further ending Malaysia's hopes of a late recovery.
The Sri Lankan captain finished with impressive bowling figures of 2/3, adding another major contribution to her 63-run innings.
Ayodhya Adds Two More Wickets
Mithali Ayodhya also played an important role during the closing stages. She picked up two wickets in the final over as Malaysia finished on 74/7 after their 20 overs.
Winifred Duraisingam top-scored for Malaysia with 28, while Mahirah Izzati Ismail contributed 24. However, the pair could not provide the acceleration required to seriously challenge Sri Lanka's total.
Sri Lanka Win by 86 Runs
Malaysia ended their innings on 74/7, giving Sri Lanka an 86-run victory. Athapaththu and Dilhari both finished with two wickets, while Ayodhya also claimed two.
The comprehensive result confirmed Sri Lanka's progression to the semifinal of the women's Asian Games cricket tournament.
Pakistan Await in the Semifinal
Sri Lanka's reward for the victory is a semifinal against Pakistan, scheduled for September 20. The Sri Lankan side entered the Asian Games after reaching the final of the 2026 Women's Asia Cup, where they finished runners-up to India.
The semifinal will give Sri Lanka another opportunity to challenge Pakistan in a knockout match after their recent success against the same opposition in the Asia Cup semifinal.
Strong Start to the Asian Games Campaign
Sri Lanka's performance against Malaysia highlighted the value of their experienced players. Athapaththu provided the initial batting acceleration and later contributed with the ball, while Dilhari influenced the match in both innings.
The victory also demonstrated Sri Lanka's ability to recover from a slow beginning. After scoring only 10 runs during the opening four overs, they finished with 160 and then restricted Malaysia to 74.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka Women scored 160/4 in 20 overs, with Chamari Athapaththu making 63 from 37 balls and Kavisha Dilhari remaining unbeaten on 44 from 27. Nurin Imanina was Malaysia's most successful bowler with 3/29.
Malaysia Women finished on 74/7 in 20 overs. Winifred Duraisingam scored 28, while Athapaththu took 2/3, Dilhari 2/4 and Mithali Ayodhya 2/15. Sri Lanka therefore won by 86 runs and advanced to the semifinal.