2024 Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan Wins Sri Lanka by 31 Runs in Sharjah

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.