Sharjah, October 3, 2024 – Pakistan produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat reigning Asian Cup champions Sri Lanka by 31 runs in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Led by captain Fatima Sana, Pakistan posted a modest 116 in their first innings but outshone Sri Lanka with the ball, restricting them to just 85/9.
Pakistan’s victory was anchored by a brilliant bowling display after a disciplined batting effort. Captain Fatima Sana, playing her first major tournament as skipper, took a key early wicket, dismissing Sri Lanka’s star opener Chamari Athapaththu. This breakthrough set the tone for Pakistan’s bowlers, who applied consistent pressure to keep Sri Lanka’s chase in check.
Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum, with only opener Vishmi Gunaratne (20 from 34) and Nilakshi de Silva (22 from 25) managing to reach double figures. Tight bowling from Pakistan’s attack stifled their batting lineup, with regular wickets falling as the required run rate climbed. Sri Lanka finished their innings 31 runs short of the target, leaving Pakistan with a remarkable victory.
While Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Chamari Athapaththu, Udeshika Prabodhani, and Sugandika Kumari, performed admirably by taking three wickets each, Pakistan’s batters managed to edge their side to a competitive total. Captain Fatima Sana’s crucial 30 runs from just 20 balls proved to be match-winning, as she helped her side recover from early losses and reach a defendable total.
Pakistan’s batting lineup faced a tough challenge from Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. Both openers, Gull Feroza (2 from 4) and Muneeba Ali (11 from 14), were dismissed early by Sugandika Kumari, leaving Pakistan struggling at the start. Middle-order contributions from Sidra Amin (12), Omaima Sohail (18), and Nida Dar (23) helped Pakistan stabilize before Sana’s late burst of runs provided the much-needed boost.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were aggressive, with Athapaththu taking 3/18 and coming close to a hat-trick when she dismissed Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz off consecutive deliveries. However, her efforts were overshadowed by Pakistan’s excellent bowling response.
Fatima Sana’s leadership in the field was equally impressive, as she orchestrated a strong bowling performance to defend the relatively low total. Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on Sri Lanka, with Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan, and Nashra Sandhu contributing to the regular fall of wickets, preventing any meaningful partnerships from developing.
The win marks a promising start for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, with the team’s balanced effort in both batting and bowling proving too much for the Sri Lankans. As the tournament progresses, Pakistan will hope to build on this momentum under the confident leadership of their new captain.
Teams:
• Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Omaima Sohail.
• Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani.