Aayal QureshiSharjah, UAE – Pakistan delivered a commanding performance in their second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by 31 runs in a low-scoring thriller at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Sri Lanka fell short of a modest 117-run target, managing only 85 runs for the loss of nine wickets as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack proved too strong. Despite resistance from Nilakshika Silva (22 off 25 balls) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20 off 34 balls), Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled to build momentum.
Pakistan’s bowling star Sadia Iqbal led the charge with an impressive three-wicket haul. She was supported by Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, and Fatima Sana, who each claimed two wickets, securing Pakistan’s 31-run victory.
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered after winning the toss and opting to bat first, being bowled out for 116 runs. Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Sugandika Kumari, dismantled Pakistan’s top order early, with Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza dismissed inside the first four overs. Pakistan stumbled to 17/2 as Captain Chamari Athapaththu joined the attack, removing Sidra Amin.
Despite a brief 25-run partnership between Nida Dar (23 off 22 balls) and Omaima Sohail (18), Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Sri Lankan bowlers Kumari, Athapaththu, and Udeshika Prabodhani each took three wickets, but a crucial late contribution from Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana (30 off 20 balls) helped lift the team to 116.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase never took off, with Pakistan’s bowlers maintaining control throughout. Their disciplined bowling attack and Sri Lanka’s inability to form lasting partnerships sealed a crucial first win for Pakistan in the tournament.
Pakistan now looks forward to building on this victory, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup and bounce back in their next match.
