Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 31 runs to start their T20 World Cup campaign in Sharjah.
Pakistan’s spinners, needing just 117 runs to win in a low-scoring contest, reduced Sri Lanka to 35-3 when captain Chamari Athapaththu (6) was dismissed cheaply by her opponent Fatima Sana (2-10).
In the middle order, Nilakshi de Silva (22) offered some fight, but Pakistan consistently produced breakthroughs, causing Sri Lanka to lose six wickets for just 36 runs and finish with a mere 85-9 at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium.
With the final delivery of the innings, Athapaththu (3–18) and spinner Sugandika Kumari (3–19) combined for a three-wicket haul, helping to dismiss Pakistan for 116. Seamer Udeshika Prabodhani (3–20) also claimed three wickets each.
In just 14 deliveries, Pakistan went from 72-5 to 84-8 thanks to a collapse instigated by Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who removed Tuba Hassan (5) and trapped Aliya Riaz leg before wicket for a golden duck in back-to-back deliveries.
But Pakistan’s captain Sana (30) made a late comeback, combining with Nashra Sandhu (6no) for a 28-run partnership for the ninth wicket to help push their total to 116.
Diana Baig, a fast bowler, was forced to leave the game after only one ball due to what appeared to be a calf injury, giving Pakistan an early blow in their pursuit.
Omaima Sohail (2-17), a quick spinner, stepped up to grab two wickets in a row, upending Sri Lanka’s lineup.
Before Pakistan’s big match against India on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal (3-17) struck three times in four overs, while Sandhu grabbed 2-15, including the valuable wicket of Sri Lanka’s opener Vishmi Gunaratne (20). Pakistan’s World Cup campaign is off to a great start thanks to their performances.
What’s next at Women’s T20 World Cup?
Bangladesh will play their opening tournament game against England on Saturday, October 5, at 3 p.m. Heather Knight’s team will take on the English team.
The next match is a traditional blockbuster on Sunday, October 6 at 11 a.m. between Pakistan and India.
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