Sri Lanka booked a place in the semi-finals of the 14th Asian Senior Netball Championships with a commanding 78-33 victory over the Maldives in their final preliminary-round fixture yesterday (12).
The six-time Asian champions had earlier crushed India 100-34 on Tuesday (11), following victories over Malaysia and a draw against hosts Hong Kong China. Their only defeat in the group stage came against Singapore, who edged Sri Lanka 62-51.
Sri Lanka completed the preliminary round with three wins, one draw and one defeat. Their other results included a 66-52 victory over Malaysia and a 57-57 draw against Hong Kong China.
After a slow start to the tournament, the Lankans found their rhythm in their final three matches, dispatching Malaysia, India and the Maldives in convincing fashion. They will now look to carry that momentum into the knockout stage.
The Cup Division features reigning champions Singapore, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Maldives and India. The winners and runners-up of the Cup competition will qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia.
Sri Lanka won the regional title in 2022 under captain Gayanjali Amarawansa, defeating hosts Singapore 63-53 in the final. Singapore gained revenge two years later, beating Sri Lanka 67-64 in the 2024 final held in India.
Amarawansa remains part of the current Sri Lankan squad, featuring as Centre and Wing Attack. The team also includes former captains Dulangi Wannithilaka, who plays Goal Attack and Wing Attack, and Gayani Dissanayake, who operates at Goal Keeper and Goal Defence.
Sri Lanka's semi-final opponent was yet to be confirmed when the preliminary round concluded, with Hong Kong China and Malaysia scheduled to meet in a decisive fixture. A Hong Kong victory would set up a semi-final between the hosts and Sri Lanka, while a Malaysian win would likely send the Lankans into a last-four clash against defending champions Singapore.
The Cup semi-finals will be played tomorrow (14), following today's rest day, with the championship final scheduled for Saturday (15).
Sri Lanka will now be aiming to convert their impressive late surge into another appearance in the Asian championship final — and ultimately secure a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup.
