Sharjah/Patiala, 04 October (Sports Desk)
Pakistan delivered a remarkable all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Fatima Sana’s side defied expectations, defeating the Asian Cup Champions by 31 runs. Pakistan posted 116 in the first innings and then bowled superbly to restrict Sri Lanka to 85/9.
Pakistan’s Captain Shines
Pakistan’s captain, Sana, made a crucial early breakthrough, removing Sri Lanka opener Chamari Athapathu and providing her side with hope of defending their modest total.
Her fellow bowlers maintained a tight grip on the Sri Lankan batting lineup, denying boundaries and taking regular wickets. Only opener Vishmi Gunaratne (20 from 34) and Nilakshika Silva (22 from 25) reached double figures as Sri Lanka’s chase faltered, finishing on 85/9, still 31 runs short of their target.
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Pakistan’s Bowling Dominance
The match was largely dominated by the bowlers, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers also restricting Pakistan in the first innings. Three bowlers stood out for Sri Lanka, with Athapaththu, Udeshika Prabodhani, and Sugandika Kumari taking three wickets each. However, Pakistan’s attack ultimately outshone their opponents.
Pakistan’s Bowling Triumph
Pakistan’s bowling effort began with a setback when Diana Baig was forced to leave the field due to an injury after bowling the first ball of the innings. However, they responded with a superb display.
After Sana’s crucial wicket, Omaima Sohail joined in with two quick dismissals, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble at 35/3. The spinners proved difficult for Sri Lanka to navigate, as the chase fizzled out under the lights in Sharjah.
Sadia Iqbal returned the best figures with 3/17, while Nashra Sandhu took 2/15 from her four overs. Sri Lanka’s batting struggled, managing just three boundaries in the entire innings and suffering a loss that puts their Group A campaign in serious jeopardy.
Pakistan’s First-Innings Efforts
In the first innings, Pakistan’s new captain, Fatima Sana, won the toss and elected to bat. Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept Pakistan in check, taking frequent wickets.
Sugandika Kumari removed both openers, Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali, restricting Pakistan in the powerplay. A middle-order recovery was unable to have a significant impact, as Chamari Athapaththu and other Sri Lankan bowlers continued to take wickets.
Pakistan’s batting strategy involved pushing captain Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz down the order as designated ‘finishers.’ However, Athapaththu’s double strike and continued wicket-taking prevented a late flurry.
Sana managed to boost Pakistan’s total with a sparkling cameo of 30 runs off 20 balls, setting up a match-winning total of 116. The final wicket fell on the last ball of the 20 overs.
