Sri Lanka Women booked their place in the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Malaysia Women by 86 runs in Quarterfinal 3 at the Aichi Prefectural Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. Chamari Athapaththu led the way with a brilliant half-century before Sri Lanka’s bowlers restricted Malaysia to 74/7 in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka posted 160/4 after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari produced the biggest contributions with the bat before combining with the ball to complete a convincing victory.
Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka’s Batting Charge
Sri Lanka made an excellent start as captain Chamari Athapaththu immediately attacked the Malaysian bowling attack and scored at a rapid rate during the Powerplay.
Athapaththu eventually finished with 63 runs from 37 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Her aggressive innings provided Sri Lanka with the platform needed to build a strong total in the knockout contest.
Kavisha Dilhari then continued the momentum with an impressive 44 from 27 deliveries. She struck six boundaries and kept the scoring rate high during the middle overs. Harshitha Samarawickrama also contributed 25 from 18 balls as Sri Lanka reached 160/4 in 20 overs.
Nurin Imanina Gives Malaysia Some Relief
Malaysia struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s batting but Nurin Imanina provided an important contribution with the ball. She finished with figures of 3/29 from four overs.
Her three wickets prevented Sri Lanka from finishing with an even bigger total during the closing stages. However, the 161-run target still left Malaysia with a difficult chase against an experienced Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Sri Lanka Strike Early in the Chase
Malaysia’s response immediately came under pressure as Sri Lanka picked up two early wickets. Ainna Hamizah Hashim and Mas Elysa were both dismissed for ducks, leaving Malaysia at 0/2 within the first two overs.
Winifred Duraisingam and Mahirah Izzati Ismail attempted to rebuild the innings, but scoring runs proved extremely difficult. Duraisingam made 28 from 47 balls, while Mahirah scored 24 from 42 deliveries.
The pair spent considerable time at the crease but struggled to find boundaries against Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack.
Athapaththu and Dilhari Complete the Job
The match between Malaysia Women and Sri Lanka Women highlights another impressive performance from Athapaththu and Dilhari with the ball. Athapaththu took 2/3 from two overs, while Dilhari claimed 2/4 from three overs, including a maiden.
Sri Lanka’s spinners consistently restricted Malaysia’s scoring options. Malaysia eventually finished on 74/7 after 20 overs, giving Sri Lanka an 86-run victory.
Athapaththu was named Player of the Match after contributing 63 runs and two wickets. Dilhari also played a key all-round role with 44 runs and two wickets.
Sri Lanka Advance to Semifinals
Malaysia vs Sri Lanka Women’s Asian Games quarterfinal ended with Sri Lanka firmly in control. This victory sends Sri Lanka into the semifinals on September 20, keeping their hopes of winning the Asian Games gold medal alive.
Malaysia Women vs Sri Lanka Women result, however, is a disappointment for Malaysia. Their tournament campaign ends at the quarterfinal stage, while Sri Lanka can now prepare for their next knockout challenge.
