SHARJAH: Pakistan’s bowlers dominated as Sri Lanka faltered in their chase during the second match of the Women’s T20 World Cup at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, falling short of the 117-run target by 32 runs.
The Islanders managed to score only 85 runs, losing nine wickets in the process.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled, with only Nilakshika Silva contributing 22 runs off 25 balls and Vishmi Gunaratne adding 20 off 34, as the rest of the team failed to make a significant impact.
Sadia Iqbal led the Pakistani bowling attack, taking three wickets, while Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, and Fatima Sana each contributed with two wickets, sealing a 31-run victory for the Green Shirts.
Earlier, Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, was bowled out for 116 runs. The innings got off to a rocky start, losing both openers, Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, within four overs, with just 17 runs on the board. Captain Athapaththu then dismissed Sidra Amin in the sixth over, who managed to score 12 runs off 10 balls.
Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail attempted to stabilize the innings with a 25-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Omaima was dismissed for 18 runs in the 10th over. Dar then briefly partnered with Tuba Hassan (5) before being bowled by Udeshika Prabodhani, finishing her innings with 23 runs off 22 balls, including a six.
Wickets continued to fall, and Pakistan found themselves at 84/8 in 14.5 overs after Diana Baig was out for just two runs. However, captain Fatima Sana stepped up, scoring 30 runs off 20 balls, featuring three fours and a six, and helped push the total before departing in the final over.
For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari, and Udeshika Prabodhani each claimed three wickets, while Kavisha Dilhari took one.
Playing XI Squads:
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani.
