Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu produced one of the greatest bowling performances in Women’s Asia Cup history, claiming a sensational hat trick and seven wickets as Sri Lanka powered to a 75 run victory over Indonesia in Dubai.
Athapaththu, widely recognized for her explosive batting, stole the spotlight with the ball on September 2, finishing with remarkable figures of 7 wickets for just 5 runs from 3.3 overs. Her spell completely dismantled the Indonesian batting line up and helped Sri Lanka successfully defend a total of 124.
Sri Lanka had earlier found themselves under considerable pressure after being asked to bat first. The defending champions slipped to 62 for 6 before Nilakshika Silva rescued the innings with a vital half century. Silva struck 50 from 35 deliveries, including three fours and a six, helping Sri Lanka recover to finish on 124 for 7 from their 20 overs.
Indonesia needed 125 for victory, but Athapaththu quickly turned the contest firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour. The captain removed both Indonesian openers and continued to strike throughout the innings as the opposition struggled to build any meaningful partnerships.
The most memorable moment arrived at the end of the match. Athapaththu began her final over by taking three wickets from three consecutive deliveries, completing her hat trick while also wrapping up Sri Lanka’s victory. Indonesia were bowled out for only 49 runs in 18.3 overs.
The achievement carried major historical significance. Athapaththu became the first Sri Lankan woman to take a hat trick in T20 International cricket. Her figures of 7 for 5 were also the best ever recorded by a bowler representing an ICC Full Member nation in Women’s T20Is. According to the ICC, the spell ranks among the five best bowling performances in the history of Women’s T20 Internationals.
It was yet another reminder of Athapaththu’s extraordinary value to Sri Lankan cricket. Throughout her career, she has built her reputation as one of the most dangerous opening batters in the women’s game, but against Indonesia it was her off spin that delivered a record breaking performance.
The result also continued Sri Lanka’s strong start to the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. The 75 run victory was their second consecutive win of the tournament and strengthened the defending champions’ position in Group B.
For Sri Lankan cricket fans, however, the result will be remembered for much more than another victory. Chamari Athapaththu has already produced countless memorable performances with the bat, but her seven-wicket haul and historic hat trick in Dubai added another remarkable chapter to her career.
With seven wickets, only five runs conceded and three consecutive wickets to finish the match, Chamari once again showed why she remains one of the biggest match winners in world cricket.
At the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, Sri Lanka’s captain did not simply lead her team to victory she rewrote the record books.
