Sri Lanka's Athapaththu Century Powers Team to T20 World Cup Qualifier Triumph

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu led her team to a resounding 68-run victory over Scotland in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi, securing their place in Group A of the World Cup proper.

Athapaththu's blistering 102 off 63 balls, studded with 13 fours and four sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 169 for 5. She shared a crucial 106-run partnership with Nilakshika Silva (26*).

Scotland's chase faltered early as they lost opener Saskia Horley to a run-out in the third over. Left-arm medium pacer Udeshika Prabodhani then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing Sarah Bryce and Katherine Fraser to leave Scotland reeling at 13 for 3.

Sri Lanka's spinners tightened the screws, with Priyanaz Chatterji (30) offering the only resistance. However, the Scottish batters struggled to keep up with the required run rate, eventually falling 68 runs short.

Prabodhani finished with impressive figures of 3 for 13, while fellow spinner Inoka Ranaweera claimed 1 for 13.

The victory marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, who will now face the likes of Australia, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan in Group A of the World Cup. Scotland, on the other hand, will be part of Group B alongside South Africa, England, West Indies, and Bangladesh.

Both Sri Lanka and Scotland had already secured their spots in the T20 World Cup proper after defeating UAE and Ireland, respectively, in the semifinals.

Tags: #Cricket, #WomensT20WorldCup, #SriLanka, #Scotland, #ChamariAthapaththu