Pakistan secured a convincing victory against Sri Lanka, winning by 31 runs in a low-scoring encounter that highlighted the dominance of spin bowling. Pakistan posted a total of 116 runs, which proved enough as Sri Lanka struggled to reach the target, finishing at 85-9 after 20 overs.
In a match that showcased the challenges of batting on a sluggish pitch, Pakistan’s innings was bolstered by captain Fatima Sana’s late surge, scoring 30 runs off 20 balls. Despite losing their last wicket on the final ball of their innings, the team managed to set a competitive target. Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, was instrumental with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 18 runs, while fellow spinners Sugandika Kumari and seamer Udeshika Prabodhani also contributed with three wickets each.
Sri Lanka’s chase began on shaky ground, slipping to 35-3 early on, with Athapaththu being dismissed for a mere six runs. The team struggled to recover without her experience at the crease. Only Nilakshi de Silva, who scored 22 runs off 25 balls, and Vishmi Gunaratne, who added 20 runs from 34 balls, provided any significant resistance as the Sri Lankan innings faltered. They managed only three boundaries throughout their innings, reflecting a dismal batting performance.
Pakistan’s spin attack was pivotal, with Sadia Iqbal leading the charge, taking 3 wickets for 17 runs. The spinners exploited the scoreboard pressure effectively, accounting for seven of Sri Lanka’s wickets, while the match saw a total of 14 wickets fall to spin bowlers.
Looking ahead, both teams face significant challenges in their upcoming matches. Sri Lanka will take on defending champions Australia on Saturday, while Pakistan is set to clash with their rivals India the following day, both teams aiming to build momentum in the tournament.
This match marked an exciting start to the Women’s T20 World Cup, with both teams demonstrating the importance of adapting to the pitch conditions and the crucial role of spin bowling in the tournament’s early encounters.
Key Stats:
- Pakistan Innings: 116 all out (20 overs)
- Top Scorer: Fatima Sana (30 runs)
- Best Bowler: Chamari Athapaththu (3-18)
- Sri Lanka Innings: 85-9 (20 overs)
- Top Scorer: Nilakshi de Silva (22 runs)
- Best Bowler: Sadia Iqbal (3-17)
