Sri Lanka Women Defeat Pakistan to Clinch T20 Series
DAMBULLA: Sri Lanka Women defeated Pakistan Women by six wickets in the second T20 International at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan Women made a strong start, with captain Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar putting together a 90-run opening stand in 9.5 overs after scoring 68 without loss during the powerplay.
Muneeba hit six fours and a six in her 30-ball 45, while Shawaal top-scored for Pakistan with 48 off 35 balls, including eight fours.
Sri Lanka removed both openers in quick succession, but Pakistan continued to score at a steady pace. Eman Naseer added 21 off 21 balls, while Saira Jabeen scored 16 from nine deliveries, hitting three fours.
Eyman Fatima provided a late boost with an unbeaten 30 off just 19 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Her contribution helped Pakistan score 46 runs in the final five overs and finish on 175-5 from 20 overs.
Chamudi Praboda was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, taking 2-27.
Chasing 176, Sri Lanka lost Imesha Dulani for five in the second over after Waheeda Akhtar gave Pakistan an early breakthrough.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu then launched an aggressive counterattack, smashing 40 from just 15 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Umm-e-Hani ended her explosive innings before dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne for 31, finishing with Pakistan’s best bowling figures of 2-28 from four overs.
Sanjana Kavindi, making her T20I debut, played a key role with 46 off 24 balls, while Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 37 from 22 deliveries. Kavisha Dilhari added an unbeaten 14 as Sri Lanka reached the target in 17.4 overs for the loss of four wickets.
The third and final T20I will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka Women beat Pakistan Women by six wickets.
Pakistan Women: 175-5 in 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 48, Muneeba Ali 45, Eyman Fatima 30 not out; Chamudi Praboda 2-27).
Sri Lanka Women: 178-4 in 17.4 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 46, Chamari Athapaththu 40, Harshitha Samarawickrama 37 not out; Umm-e-Hani 2-28).
