Chamari Athapaththu Achieves Historic Hat-Trick in Asia Cup
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu delivered a remarkable performance in the Women's Asia Cup 2026, taking seven wickets, including a hat-trick, to lead her team to victory over Indonesia by 75 runs. Her bowling figures rank among the best in Women's T20Is, marking a significant achievement in the tournament.
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu made history during the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with a performance against Indonesia on September 2, 2026. Leading her side to a 75-run victory, Athapaththu finished with bowling figures of seven wickets for five runs in 3.3 overs, a spell that included a hat-trick. This performance secured the win and made her the first player to take seven wickets in an Asia Cup match, a new landmark in the tournament’s history.
The achievement took place as Sri Lanka, the defending champions, faced early pressure in their innings. Batting first, the team was reduced to 62 for 6 before Nilakshika Silva helped steady the side. Silva scored 50 runs off 35 balls, allowing Sri Lanka to post a total of 124 runs for 7 wickets from their 20 overs. This recovery set the stage for Athapaththu’s subsequent display with the ball.
Athapaththu’s bowling strategy was effective from the start, as she dismissed both Indonesian openers, Maria Corazon and Rahmawati Pangestuti, during the powerplay. Her hat-trick eventually ended the match, with Indonesia bowled out for 49 runs in 18.3 overs. Other contributors to the bowling attack included Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, and Kavisha Dilhari, as the team maintained their standing in the tournament.
This victory was Sri Lanka’s second of the competition, placing them at the top of Group B. The captain’s performance contributes to the broader history of women’s cricket in the country and reflects the increasing competitiveness of the sport in the region. As players like Athapaththu lead the team, such results continue to shape the development of the game for future generations of cricketers.
Looking ahead, the Sri Lankan team aims to carry this momentum through the remainder of the Asia Cup. Athapaththu’s performance establishes a standard for her teammates as they continue to compete against other regional opponents. This milestone adds to her personal legacy and the international profile of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka, with implications for the sport’s ongoing growth and recognition.
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