Karachi: Pakistan delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 31 runs in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, successfully defending a first-innings total of 116 and restricting Sri Lanka to 85/9.
According to International Cricket Council, Pakistan’s captain, Fatima Sana, played a key role, removing Sri Lanka’s opener Chamari Athapathu early on and setting the tone for her side’s impressive bowling display. Omaima Sohail and the spinners followed with tight bowling, leaving Sri Lanka struggling throughout the chase. Sadia Iqbal led with 3/17, while Nashra Sandhu took 2/15, as Sri Lanka failed to find any momentum in their innings, managing just three boundaries.
In the first innings, Pakistan’s batting lineup showed resilience after frequent wickets kept them in check. Sana top-scored with 30 from 20 balls in the lower order, pushing her team to a defendable total. Despite a strong bowling effort from Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, Udeshika Prabodhani, and Sugandika Kumari, Pakistan’s bowlers ultimately outshone their counterparts.