Pakistan made an impressive comeback to secure a 31-run victory over Sri Lanka in their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Sharjah on Thursday.
Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was the standout performer with three wickets, while Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, and captain Fatima Sana each contributed with two wickets.
Sri Lanka, the current Asia Cup champions, struggled to reach the 117-run target set by Pakistan. Pakistan’s innings featured a lower-order revival led by Fatima Sana after they found themselves in trouble at 84-8, having chosen to bat first. Sugandika Kumari’s left-arm spin inflicted early damage, taking out both openers and continuing to claim wickets at regular intervals.
Sohail (18) and Nida Dar (23) offered some resistance, but it was Sana’s vital 30 off 20 balls, which included three fours and a six, that helped Pakistan reach a competitive score. Despite strong performances from Chamari Athapaththu (3-18) and Kumari (3-19), Sri Lanka failed to take advantage of their promising start. Diana Baig sustained a calf strain and managed to bowl only one delivery in Sri Lanka’s innings, but Sana rose to the occasion, taking the crucial wicket of Athapaththu for six runs.
Sohail dismissed Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera cheaply, while Sandhu’s pressure led to Kavisha Dilhari being caught at long-on.
Gunaratne’s dismissal for 20 left Sri Lanka in a tough spot at 47-4 in the 11th over, and although Nilakshika Silva had a brief moment of respite, Sri Lanka could not recover. Both teams are looking to advance past the group stage for the first time. Pakistan’s next match is against their arch-rivals India on Sunday, while Sri Lanka will take on tournament favorites Australia.
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