Pakistan women’s cricket team started their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a bang, comfortably beating Sri Lanka in their opening match. On a sluggish Sharjah pitch, Pakistan faced early setbacks, with Sri Lanka’s Sugandika Kumari and Chamari Athapaththu striking during the powerplay, restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 116. Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail tried to steady the ship with scores of 23 and 18, while skipper Fatima Sana battled hard at No. 7, adding a fighting 30 runs. However, Pakistan couldn’t build a dominant total without enough support at the other end. Sri Lanka’s Udeshika Prabodani, Sugandika, and Athapaththu shone with three wickets each.
The second innings began on a shaky note for Pakistan as Diana Baig limped off after delivering just one ball due to a suspected calf injury. Captain Fatima Sana had to finish the over, but the team rallied under her leadership. Pakistan’s defence of the low total was fierce, and they quickly sent Sri Lanka’s captain, Athapaththu, back to the pavilion on just the second ball of the third over, thanks to a sharp catch by Omaima Sohail.
Omaima then struck again before the powerplay, clean bowling Harshitha Samarawickrama and later dismissing Hasini Perera, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 35 for 3 by the 8th over. Despite being a bowler short, Pakistan kept the pressure on, with Nashra Sandhu removing Kavisha Dilhari and then Vishmi Gunaratne, who had been anchoring the innings, caught in the deep by Sidra Amin.
The pressure mounted as Sri Lanka’s run rate climbed and wickets continued to tumble. Sadia Iqbal stepped up, dismissing Anushka Sanjeewani and trapping Sugandika Kumari lbw, reducing Sri Lanka to 83 for 8. Muneeba Ali’s smart catch behind the stumps off Fatima Sana sealed the fate of Sachini Nisansala, and Sri Lanka’s innings fizzled out, finishing well short of the target. Pakistan cruised to a 31-run victory, showcasing resilience and determination to kickstart their World Cup journey in style.
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