Sri Lanka have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 cricket tournament at the Asian Games, defeating Malaysia by 86 runs in the third quarter-final today.
The match was played in Nishin, Japan. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first and posted an imposing 160/4 in 20 overs.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a blistering 63 off 37 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Kavisha Dilhari provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 44.
For Malaysia, Nurin Imanina was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets.
Chasing 161 for victory, Malaysia managed 74/7 in their 20 overs. Winifred Duraisingam top-scored with 28, while Mahirah Izati Ismail contributed 24.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept Malaysia under pressure throughout the chase, with Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari and Chamari Athapaththu taking two wickets each.
Sri Lanka will now face Pakistan in the first semi-final on September 20, with a place in the Asian Games final at stake.
