Sri Lanka Women kicked off the three-match T20I series with a convincing six-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the opening match at Dambulla.
After winning the toss, the hosts opted to bowl first. Pakistan made an aggressive start, with the opening pair adding 66 runs for the first wicket to lay a solid platform for the innings. Captain Muneeba Ali led the charge with a quickfire 42 off 24 balls, including nine boundaries.
Pakistan strengthened their position through a 61-run partnership for the second wicket between Iman Naseer and Shawal Zulfiqar, taking the total to 127. However, the batting side lost wickets in quick succession during the closing overs and finished on 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Shawal Zulfiqar top-scored with 63 runs, while Iman Naseer made 21 and Ayesha Zafar contributed 17. For Sri Lanka, Kaweesha Dilhari claimed two wickets, while Kavya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, and Chamudi Prabuddha picked up one wicket each.
In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the target with six wickets in hand and an over to spare, reaching 177/4 in 19 overs. Opener Ameesha Dilani starred with an unbeaten 101, while captain Chamari Athapaththu scored 39.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu took two wickets, while Hamna Bilal and Umm-e-Hani claimed one wicket each. The second T20I of the three-match series will be played on August 2, while the final match is scheduled for August 4. Shawal Zulfiqar top-scored for Pakistan with 63 runs, while Iman Naseer contributed 21 and Ayesha Zafar added 17.
For Sri Lanka, Kaweesha Dilhari was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Kavya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, and Chamudi Prabuddha claimed one wicket each.
In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the 177-run target with four wickets in hand and one over to spare, reaching 177/4 in 19 overs.
Opener Ameesha Dilani starred with an unbeaten 101, while captain Chamari Athapaththu contributed 39. For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu picked up two wickets, while Hamna Bilal and Umm-e-Hani claimed one wicket each. The second T20I of the three-match series will be played on August 2, with the final match scheduled for August 4.
Read more: Pakistan’s second-innings collapse raises questions over batting approach
