Pakistan’s bowlers excelled against Sri Lanka, who fell short in their chase of a 117-run target during the second match of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Thursday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka managed to score only 85 runs for the loss of nine wickets, falling 31 runs short of the target. Notable contributions came from Nilakshika Silva (22 off 25) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20 off 34), while the rest of the batting lineup struggled significantly.
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Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, and Fatima Sana each took two, ensuring a 31-run victory for their team.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan was bowled out for 116. Their innings started poorly, with Sugandika Kumari dismissing both openers, Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, within the first four overs, leaving them at just 17 runs.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Athapaththu, further complicated Pakistan’s innings by removing Sidra Amin in the sixth over. Amin scored 12 off 10 balls. Nida Dar then formed a 25-run partnership with Omaima Sohail before Omaima was dismissed for 18 off 19 balls.
Dar briefly partnered with Tuba Hassan before being bowled by Udeshika Prabodhani for 23 runs off 22 balls, including a six. Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz were dismissed in quick succession by Athapaththu, leaving Pakistan struggling at 84/8.
Fatima Sana provided a late boost, scoring 30 runs off 20 balls, which included three fours and a six, before being dismissed in the final over. For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari, and Udeshika Prabodhani each took three wickets, while Kavisha Dilhari claimed one.
Playing XI: Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan, Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
Sri Lanka XI: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani.
