In Sharjah, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by a commanding 31 runs to begin their T20 World Cup campaign.
Pakistan’s spinners took Sri Lanka to 35-3, chasing 117 to win in a low-scoring match. Her rival Fatima Sana (2–10) dismissed captain Chamari Athapaththu (6) cheaply.
Sri Lanka managed to register a mere 85-9 at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, losing six wickets for only 36 runs despite some fight from 22-year-old Nilakshi de Silva in the middle order. Pakistan, on the other hand, consistently produced breakthroughs.
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 face England on Saturday with Heather Knight’s side playing their first match of the tournament on Saturday October 5 at 3pm, live on Sky Sports.
The next match is a traditional blockbuster on Sunday, October 6 at 11 a.m. between Pakistan and India.
Watch all of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup matches live on Sky Sports, which will end on Sunday, October 20, with the final held in Dubai.
