Sri Lanka enter this Asian Games 2026 Quarterfinal 3 as strong favorites, anchored by their explosive skipper Chamari Athapaththu and a well-settled spin core featuring Kavisha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari. They come off a solid run in subcontinental conditions, relying on heavy top-order scoring and tight middle-over control. Malaysia, led by Winifred Duraisingam, steps up to face a steep challenge. While they lack the big-stage experience of their opponents, players like Mas Elysa bring decent lower-order hitting and standard all-round ability. For Malaysia, keeping up with the tempo early on will be the main hurdle.
Squads:
Malaysia Women’s Cricket Team
Aina Najwa, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Dhanusri Muhunan, Winifred Duraisingam, Mas Elysa, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Wan Julia, Nur Arianna Natsya, Aisya Eleesa, Amalin Sorfina, Nur Dania Syuhada, Musfirah Nur Ainaa, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Nur Qalysha, Nurin Imanina
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kawya Kavindi, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sanjana Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nimasha Meepage, Chamudi Praboda, Mithali Ayodhya
Players to watch out:
Mas Elysa
In her 109 matches spanning from 2018 to 2026, Mas Elysa has scored 1,719 runs across 105 innings. Staying unbeaten 15 times, she holds a highest score of 67 at an average of 19.10. Batting at a strike rate of 87.08 after facing 1,974 balls, she has registered 7 half-centuries, 151 fours, and 5 sixes, while recording 14 ducks.
Mahirah Izzati Ismail
Holding a solid record over 90 matches between 2018 and 2026, Mahirah Izzati Ismail has bagged 76 wickets across 79 innings. Delivering 263.5 overs (1,583 balls) with 14 maidens, she maintains a tight economy of 4.62 and an average of 16.05. Her career highlights include a stellar best bowling figure of 5/11, along with one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul.
Chamari Athapaththu
Across an extensive career from 2009 to 2026, Chamari Athapaththu has accumulated 4,136 runs in 170 matches and 167 innings. Armed with a top score of 119* and an average of 26.34, she strikes at 113.62 having faced 3,640 balls, hitting 544 fours and 111 sixes along with 4 centuries and 14 fifties. Additionally, she has delivered on the bowling front by picking up 89 wickets across 111 innings with an economy of 6.64 and best figures of 7/5.
Sugandika Kumari
Representing her side across 106 matches from 2015 to 2026, Sugandika Kumari has collected 81 wickets in 105 innings. Bowling 354.4 overs (2,128 balls) including 8 maidens, she maintains an economy of 6.16 and an average of 27.01. Her primary contribution with the ball features a career-best spell of 3/17 with a strike rate of 26.27.
Pitch:
Situated in Nisshin, the pitch at Kōrogi Athletic Park features a natural grass surface with multiple playing strips that usually offers early seam and swing movement for pace bowlers with the fresh ball. Once batters adapt to the bounce and pace, the surface becomes increasingly true and comfortable for strokeplay, while spinners tend to get moderate grip and turn as the match progresses into the middle overs.
Weather:
The conditions will see mostly sunny skies, making for ideal conditions overall. Temperatures will peak around 29°C during the day before dropping to a low of 21°C, accompanied by light southwest winds around 9 mph and humidity levels near 74 percent.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Chamari Athapaththu, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Aina Najwa, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Dhanusri Muhunan, Mas Elysa, Mahirah Izzati Ismail
Match Details:
Date – September 18, 2026
Time – 5:30 AM
Venue – Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan
Broadcast – Sony Sports, Sony Liv
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