Chamari Athapaththu Takes Historic T20I Hat-Trick as Sri Lanka Defeat Indonesia
Sri Lanka Women secured a 75-run win against Indonesia Women in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 2, propelled by a historic bowling display from captain Chamari Athapaththu.
What Happened
After Indonesia opted to bowl first, Sri Lanka Women posted a total of 124/7 across their 20 overs. Sri Lanka faced an early collapse, slipping to 37/4 before middle-order batter Nilakshika Silva revived the innings. Silva scored 50 runs from 35 deliveries, striking at 142.85 with three boundaries and one six. For Indonesia, Ni Luh Dewi led the bowling effort with figures of 3/32, taking the wickets of Athapaththu, Kaushini Nuthyangana, and Silva. Sang Maypriani picked up 2/19 by dismissing Sanjana Kavindi and Sri Lanka vice-captain Harshitha Samarawickrama, while Sofia Velic and NI Ariani collected one wicket each.
During the run chase, Indonesia Women were bowled out for 49 runs as Chamari Athapaththu dominated with the ball. The Sri Lankan skipper finished with exceptional figures of 7/5 from 3.3 overs. Athapaththu initially stood on a hat-trick after removing Maria Corazon and Rada Rani on successive deliveries. She later secured a hat-trick by dismissing Sakarini, NI Ariani, and Sang Maypriani before trapping Dara Paramitha, becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to claim a hat-trick in T20I cricket.
Key Highlights
- Sri Lanka Women defended their total of 124/7 by dismissing Indonesia Women for 49 runs in Dubai.
- Chamari Athapaththu claimed bowling figures of 7/5 in 3.3 overs.
- Athapaththu became the first Sri Lankan woman to achieve a hat-trick in Women’s T20 International cricket.
- Nilakshika Silva contributed 50 runs off 35 balls to lead Sri Lanka’s recovery from 37/4.
- Ni Luh Dewi returned the best figures for Indonesia with 3/32.
- The result gives Sri Lanka Women two consecutive wins from their opening two group fixtures.
Why This Matters
The victory keeps Sri Lanka Women undefeated in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with two wins in as many matches, while Athapaththu’s bowling milestone marks a first for Sri Lankan women’s cricket in the T20I format. In contrast, Indonesia remain winless in third place on the tournament table.
What to Watch Next
Indonesia Women will play their next match against the United Arab Emirates Women on September 4. Sri Lanka Women will conclude their group-stage campaign on September 6 when they face Bangladesh Women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Chamari Athapaththu’s bowling figures against Indonesia?
Chamari Athapaththu recorded bowling figures of 7 wickets for 5 runs in 3.3 overs.
Who was the top run-scorer in the match?
Sri Lanka’s Nilakshika Silva was the top scorer with 50 runs off 35 balls.
What milestone did Chamari Athapaththu reach in this match?
She became the first woman representing Sri Lanka to take a hat-trick in T20 International cricket.
When do both teams play next in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
Indonesia Women face UAE Women on September 4, and Sri Lanka Women meet Bangladesh Women in their final group match on September 6.
Source: Crictracker