Sri Lanka fell 32 runs short of the 117-run target, managing only 85 runs for the loss of nine wickets, as Pakistan’s bowlers showcased their expertise. Aside from Nilakshika Silva (22 off 25) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20 off 34), the Sri Lankan batting order struggled to make an impact.
Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, and Fatima Sana took two wickets each, securing a 31-run victory for Pakistan.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan was bowled out for 116 runs. Sri Lankan bowlers dominated with Sugandika Kumari dismissing both openers, Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, early in the innings, leaving Pakistan at 17/2. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu soon sent Sidra Amin back to the pavilion in the sixth over, after her 12 off 10 balls.
Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail put together a 25-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Sohail was dismissed by Kavisha Dilhari after scoring 18. Dar then combined briefly with Tuba Hassan (5) but was bowled by Udeshika Prabodhani after contributing 23 off 22 balls, including a six.
Pakistan’s innings crumbled further as Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz were dismissed off consecutive deliveries by Athapaththu. At 84/8, it seemed Pakistan was in deep trouble, but captain Fatima Sana played a crucial knock of 30 off 20 balls, with Nashra Sandhu (6*) giving support to take the total to 116 before Fatima was dismissed in the final over.
For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari, and Prabodhani picked up three wickets each, while Dilhari claimed one.
Playing XI:
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan, Fatima Sana (captain), 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