Chamari Athapaththu scripts history with record-breaking hat-trick as Sri Lanka Women beat Indonesia

Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu delivered a sensational bowling performance as Sri Lanka Women defeated Indonesia Women by 75 runs in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 2. The victory helped Sri Lanka maintain their perfect record in the tournament, with two wins from two matches.

After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka Women posted 124/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The island nation endured a difficult start and were reduced to 37/4 before Nilakshika Silva steadied the innings with an important half-century. Silva scored 50 off 35 deliveries at a strike rate of 142.85, hitting three fours and one six to guide Sri Lanka to a competitive total.

Indonesia Women’s bowlers enjoyed considerable success during the first innings. Ni Luh Dewi was the pick of the attack, finishing with 3/32 after dismissing Athapaththu, Kaushini Nuthyangana and Nilakshika Silva. Sang Maypriani also impressed with 2/19, accounting for Sanjana Kavindi and Sri Lanka vice-captain Harshitha Samarawickrama. Sofia Velic and NI Ariani claimed one wicket each.

However, the match belonged to Athapaththu when Indonesia began their chase. The Sri Lankan skipper produced a historic spell, becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to take a hat-trick in T20I cricket.

Athapaththu had initially been on a hat-trick after dismissing Maria Corazon and Rada Rani with consecutive deliveries. She could not complete the hat-trick on that occasion, but returned later to create history. She dismissed Sakarini, NI Ariani and Sang Maypriani before trapping Dara Paramitha to complete a remarkable hat-trick.

Her final figures were an astonishing 7/5 in 3.3 overs, as Indonesia were bowled out for just 49 runs. Athapaththu’s spell completely dismantled the Indonesian batting lineup and ensured Sri Lanka secured a comprehensive victory.

With two wins from two matches, Sri Lanka Women will face Bangladesh Women in their final group-stage fixture on September 6. Indonesia, meanwhile, remain third in the table without a point and will take on the United Arab Emirates Women on September 4.