Pakistan’s bowlers outperformed 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 only 85 runs for the loss of nine wickets, 31 runs shy of the target, with notable contributions from Nilakshika Silva (22 off 25) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20 off 34).
The rest of the batting lineup struggled significantly.
Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, and Fatima Sana each took two, securing a 31-run victory for the team.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan was bowled out for 116. Their innings got off to a rocky start as Sugandika Kumari dismissed both openers, Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, within the first four overs, leaving them at 17 runs.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Athapaththu, added to Pakistan’s woes 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 out for 18 off 19 balls.
Dar briefly partnered with Tuba Hassan before being bowled by Udeshika Prabodhani for 23 runs off 22 deliveries, which included a six.
Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz were dismissed in quick succession by Athapaththu, leaving Pakistan at 84/8.
Fatima Sana, however, provided a late boost, scoring 30 runs off 20 balls, including three fours and a six, before being dismissed in the final over.
For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari, and Udeshika Prabodhani took three wickets each, 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: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani.
