Sri Lanka Faces UAE in Women’s Asia Cup 2026
The defending champions, Sri Lanka, take on the UAE in their opening match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium.
· 3 countries
Match Overview
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 kicks off with a clash between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, August 29. Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, will aim to defend their title, while the UAE, captained by Esha Oza, seeks to make a strong start in the tournament.
The match is scheduled to be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on the SonyLIV platform.
Team Lineups
Sri Lanka’s squad includes Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicket-keeper), Nilakshika Silva, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, and Mithali Ayodhya.
The UAE’s lineup features Esha Oza (captain), Theertha Satish (wicket-keeper), Heena Hotchandani, Samaira Dharnidharka, Rinitha Rajith, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Kulkarni, Vaishnave Mahesh, Indhuja Nandakumar, Athige Silva, and Suraksha Kotte.
Recent Form and Key Players
Sri Lanka has been in excellent form, winning 4 of their last 5 matches. Chamari Athapaththu has been a standout performer, scoring 368 runs in her last 10 matches at an average of 40.89 and a strike rate of 151.44. She has also taken 8 wickets during this period. Kavisha Dilhari has provided valuable bowling support with 12 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 7.11.
The UAE also comes into the tournament with a strong record, having won 4 of their last 5 matches. Esha Oza has been the standout player, scoring 462 runs in her last 10 matches at an impressive average of 92.4 and a strike rate of 144.37. She has also taken 20 wickets in 9 matches with an economy rate of 3.32. Theertha Satish has added 227 runs at an average of 45.4 and a strike rate of 128.97, while Vaishnave Mahesh has contributed 12 wickets at an economy rate of 3.69.