Pak vs SL: Pakistan dominate Sri Lanka with 31-run win in opening Women's T20 World Cup clash

Pakistan delivered a stunning performance as Sri Lanka fell 31 runs short of the 117-run target in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Thursday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka only managed 85 runs for the loss of nine wickets, with Pakistan showcasing their bowling prowess.

Despite brief resistance from Nilakshika Silva (22 off 25 balls) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20 off 34 balls), the rest of the Sri Lankan batting lineup struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. 

Sadia Iqbal was the star with the ball, taking three wickets, while Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, and Fatima Sana took two wickets each, securing Pakistan’s 31-run victory.

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings struggled as they were bowled out for 116 runs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Sri Lankan bowlers put Pakistan under early pressure, with Sugandika Kumari dismissing openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza inside four overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 17/2.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu further dented Pakistan's top order by removing Sidra Amin, who scored 12 off 10 deliveries. 

Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail then stitched together a 25-run partnership before Kavisha Dilhari dismissed Omaima for 18. Dar, Pakistan's experienced all-rounder, managed 23 off 22 balls before being bowled by Udeshika Prabodhani.

Sri Lanka continued to dominate, with Athapaththu dismissing Tuba Hassan (5) and Aliya Riaz on consecutive deliveries. Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 84/8, but a late push from captain Fatima Sana, who scored a valuable 30 off 20 balls, lifted Pakistan to a defendable total of 116.

For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari, and Prabodhani each claimed three wickets, while Dilhari took one. However, Sri Lanka's inability to chase the target allowed Pakistan to secure a crucial victory.

With this win, Pakistan registered their first victory of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup ahead of their next fixture.