In an enthralling encounter at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier semi-final in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka women’s cricket team clinched their ticket to the upcoming World Cup in Bangladesh and a spot in the qualifier’s final. They overcame a determined United Arab Emirates side by showcasing a blend of strategic batting and tight bowling.
Sri Lanka, opting to bat first after being put in by UAE, set a formidable target of 149 runs for the loss of six wickets. The innings was solidly anchored by Vishmi Gunaratne who scored a composed 45 from 44 deliveries. Gunaratne’s crucial partnership of 52 runs for the first wicket with Chamari Athapaththu, who contributed a steady 21 runs, provided the initial momentum needed for a competitive score.
The middle order then accelerated in the final overs, adding 43 runs, thanks to a quickfire 18 off 10 balls from Nilakshika Silva, though she was stumped on the final delivery of the innings.
The UAE’s response was robust, driven by Esha Oza’s spirited 66 off 44 balls, which included a mix of two fours and four sixes, raising hopes for a potential upset. Oza, along with contributions from Khushi Sharma (22 from 23) and Kavisha Egodage (16 from 20), kept the UAE in the chase.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, led by Chamari Athapaththu and Udeshika Prabodhani, proved too challenging to handle in the crucial moments. Athapaththu’s pivotal breakthrough to dismiss Egodage, followed by Prabodhani bowling out Oza, and a critical run-out of Heena Hotchandani by the Sri Lankan fielders triggered a UAE collapse, losing three wickets for just seven runs in a span of 12 balls.
Despite a late surge from Vaishnave Mahesh, who remained not out with 13, the required rate escalated beyond UAE’s reach. Sri Lanka’s victory not only propels them into the final against Scotland but also stamps their authority as a formidable force in women’s cricket, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting climax to the qualifiers.
