Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 184/4, thanks to Athapaththu’s explosive 119 not out off 69 balls, featuring 14 fours and 7 sixes.
Harshitha Samarawickrama and Anushka Sanjeewani chipped in with valuable contributions, while Malaysia’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught.
In reply, Malaysia Women crumbled, managing just 40 runs in 19.5 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Shashini Gimhani with 3 wickets for 9 runs, and Kawya Kavindi, who took 2 for 7 followed by Kavisha Dilhari claiming back-to back wickets, decimated Malaysia’s batting lineup.
None of the Malaysian batters except Elsa Hunter reached double figures, highlighting the dominant performance by the Sri Lankan team.
Chamari Athapaththu’s century, her third in T20Is, made her only the third woman cricketer to achieve this milestone.
Her leadership and batting prowess set a high standard for the tournament.
With such a comprehensive win, Sri Lanka Women have announced themselves as strong contenders for the Asia Cup.
(asiancricket.org)