Defending champions Sri Lanka began their 2026 Women's T20 Asia Cup campaign with a commanding nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.
Sri Lanka dismissed the UAE for 79 in 19.5 overs before reaching 80/1 in just 7.5 overs.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu led the chase with an unbeaten 48 from 25 balls.
UAE dismissed for 79
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl at the Dubai International Stadium.
The decision quickly paid off as the Sri Lankan attack prevented the UAE from building a substantial innings.
Esha Oza top-scored for the UAE with 18, while Samaira Dharnidharka made 17.
Sri Lanka's bowlers shared the wickets effectively.
Chethana Vimukthi, making her international debut, took 3 wickets for 16 runs, while Mithali Ayodhya took 3 for 14.
Sugandika Kumari claimed two wickets, with Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari taking one each.
The UAE were eventually bowled out for 79 with one delivery remaining in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka finish chase inside eight overs
Sri Lanka made rapid progress towards the 80-run target.
Athapaththu struck 48 not out from 25 deliveries, including seven fours and two sixes.
Imesha Dulani contributed 25 from 18 balls.
Sri Lanka completed the chase at 80/1 after 7.5 overs, securing victory with 73 balls remaining.
It was Sri Lanka Women's biggest T20 international victory in terms of balls remaining, according to current match reporting.
Debut to remember for Chethana Vimukthi
Chethana Vimukthi was named Player of the Match after taking 3/16 on her international debut.
Her spell helped restrict the UAE before Sri Lanka's batters completed the chase comfortably.
Asia Cup title defence
Sri Lanka entered the tournament as defending champions.
The nine-wicket victory gives the team a strong opening result, but it represents only the first match of Sri Lanka's campaign.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to face Indonesia on 2 September in their next group match.