Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the Billie Jean King Cup – Asia/Oceania Group III, Event A, securing their place in the Asia/Oceania Group II of the tournament in 2026 with a dominant 2-0 win over Turkmenistan in the finals. The tournament was played at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association clay courts in Colombo 07 over the past week. It featured thrilling matches and showcased the true spirit of the game, promoting camaraderie among nations.
During the preliminary round, the Sri Lankan team outclassed both the Qatar and Nepal sides and, despite a shocking defeat against Myanmar, was fortunate to reach the finals. In the final, the Sri Lankan lasses put on a fine display to dismantle Turkmenistan’s challenge, earning a hard-fought victory and promotion to Group II.
Sri Lanka vs Qatar
Sri Lanka had a strong start to the tournament with a resounding 3-0 victory over Qatar. In the opening match, Akeesha Silva defeated Hind Al Mudahka. Akeesha comfortably won the first set 6-3 before her opponent retired while trailing 0-3 in the second set.
Next, Sri Lanka’s national champion Dinara de Silva outclassed Mubaraka Al Naimi in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0.
In the doubles match, the seasoned duo of Dinara de Silva and Akeesha Silva overcame Mubaraka Al Naimi and Dana Khalifa in straight sets. The Sri Lankan pair dominated the first set 6-0, but Qatar came back strong in the second. However, the experienced Sri Lankans held their nerve to win 7-5 and complete a morale-boosting 3-0 sweep.
Sri Lanka vs Myanmar
In the second game, Myanmar handed Sri Lanka their only defeat of the tournament in a thrilling 2-1 series. In the first singles match, Nilar Win of Myanmar dominated and defeated Sri Lanka’s Oneli Samarawickrama 6-0, 6-1.
With Sri Lanka in trouble, Dinara de Silva stepped up and delivered under pressure, outplaying Htay Htay Myint 6-2, 6-1 to level the series.
The doubles match became the decider, with Dinara de Silva and Akeesha Silva facing Thiri Zoun and Nilar Win. The Sri Lankan pair won the first set 6-3, raising home fans’ hopes. However, Myanmar bounced back to win the second set 6-3. The third set was a tense thriller, with Myanmar edging it 10-8 in the match tiebreak.
This defeat left Sri Lanka’s finals hopes hanging by a thread. They needed a 3-0 win over Nepal to qualify.
Sri Lanka vs Nepal
With the pressure on, the Sri Lankan outfit rose to the occasion and secured the required 3-0 win over a strong Nepal side.
In the opening singles match, Akeesha Silva fought hard against Shivali Gurung, eventually prevailing in two tightly contested sets, both decided by tiebreaks: 7-6, 7-6.
Then, Dinara de Silva produced another crucial win against Abhilasha Bista. After a competitive first set, she took control in the second to seal a 6-4, 6-2 victory.
In the decisive doubles match, Inuki Jayaweera and Tuwini de Alwis faced Shivali Gurung and Abhilasha Bista. The Sri Lankan duo won the first set 6-4 but lost the second 1-6. Holding their composure in the match tiebreak, Inuki and Tuwini sealed the win 10-5. With this determined victory, Sri Lanka earned their place in the final against Turkmenistan.
Sri Lanka vs Turkmenistan
Akeesha Silva and Dinara de Silva were in top form, securing straight-set victories in both singles matches to seal the tie for Sri Lanka.
In the first singles match, Akeesha Silva faced Turkmenistan’s young talent Aynur Movlyamova. Akeesha started strong and maintained her momentum, winning convincingly 6-0, 6-2.
National champion Dinara de Silva then faced Ilima Guseynova. The Turkmen player had no answer to Dinara’s technical mastery, and Sri Lanka’s No. 1 won 6-2, 6-0.
With this emphatic 2-0 victory, Sri Lanka completed their mission, clinching the promotion spot to the Billie Jean King Cup – Asia/Oceania Group II.
