Sri Lanka A Women bounced back from their opening-game heartbreak to deliver a clinical performance against Malaysia Women at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars. After a narrow loss to Bangladesh just days ago, the Lankans left nothing to chance today, posting a formidable 172/6 before their bowlers dismantled the Malaysian lineup. Malaysia struggled to find any rhythm throughout the chase, eventually finishing their 20 overs at a weary 66/8, handing Sri Lanka A a massive 106-run victory.
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka A looked intent on setting a high bar. While opener Sanjana Kavindi fell early for just 7, the innings was quickly steadied and then accelerated by captain Anushka Sanjeewani and the middle order. Sanjeewani played a crisp knock of 39 off 31 balls, peppered with seven boundaries, ensuring the run rate never dipped. She found a solid partner in Hansima Karunaratne, who contributed a steady 22, but the real fireworks were still to come. The momentum shifted entirely when Ama Kanchana walked to the crease. Kanchana played a blistering, match-defining innings, smashing 52 off only 29 deliveries. Her aggressive approach included six fours and two massive sixes, a strike rate of over 179 that effectively took the game away from Malaysia.
Despite two late wickets from Malaysia’s Amalin Sorfina (2/28), a quick-fire cameo from Shayani Senaratne (21 off 16) helped push the final total to a commanding 172. Malaysia’s response never truly got off the ground, as they lost wickets at regular intervals from the very first over. The Lankan bowlers were relentless with their discipline; Sathya Sandeepani was particularly difficult to get away, finishing with remarkable figures of 2/11 from her four overs, including a maiden. Sachini Nisansala continued her fine form in the tournament as well, picking up 2/7 in her four-over spell, leaving the Malaysian top and middle order in tatters.
For Malaysia, it was a tough day at the office. Only two batters managed to reach double figures: Nazatul Hidayah Husna, who made a fighting 14, and Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, who top-scored with 19. The rest of the lineup was stifled by the variety in the Sri Lankan attack, with Malsha Shehani and Shashini Gimhani also chipping in with a wicket apiece. By the time the final ball was bowled, Malaysia was over a hundred runs short of the target. This result significantly boosts Sri Lanka A’s net run rate and keeps them firmly in the hunt for a knockout spot.
For Malaysia, it is a second consecutive heavy defeat that highlights the gap they need to bridge against the ‘A’ sides of the established Asian powers. Sri Lanka A will take immense confidence from the way their batting unit clicked, particularly the power-hitting from Kanchana, as they look ahead to their final group fixtures.