Dulani stars as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in series opener

Imesha Dulani struck a superb unbeaten century as Sri Lanka Women defeated Pakistan Women by six wickets in the opening T20I of their three-match series at the Rangiri DambullaInternational Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a challenging target of 177, the hosts reached 177-4 with six balls to spare, thanks to Dulani's career-best innings and an attacking contribution from captain Chamari Athapaththu.

Dulani remained unbeaten on 101 from 64 balls, hitting 17 fours and one six to anchor Sri Lanka's chase and steer her side to a 1-0 lead in the series.

She received early support from Athapaththu, whose aggressive 39 off 22 deliveries included five fours and two sixes, giving Sri Lanka a flying start in pursuit of the target.

After Athapaththu departed, Dulani continued to dominate the Pakistan attack, sharing crucial partnerships to keep the required rate under control.

Kavisha Dilhari contributed 11 from 14 balls, while NilakshikaSilva finished unbeaten on nine off four deliveries, including a boundary, as Sri Lanka completed the chase with an over to spare.

For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the bowlers with 2-25 from four overs, while Humna Bilal and Umm-e-Hani claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a competitive 176-7 after being sent in to bat, with opening batters Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar laying a solid platform.

Shawaal top-scored with an impressive 63 from 41 balls, striking 10 fours and a six in a fluent innings that kept the scoreboard moving throughout the middle overs.

Pakistan batter Shawaal Zulfiqar said she was pleased with her performance after returning from a long injury lay-off.

Shawaal, who scored 63, said batting alongside captain Muneeba Ali helped her confidence as Pakistan posted more than 170 runs.

“The plan was to maximise the total, but inconsistent bowling line and length proved costly,” she said.

Shawaal expressed confidence that Pakistan would improve in the remaining matches and said she hopes to maintain her batting form throughout the series.

Captain Muneeba provided the early momentum with a brisk 42 off 24 deliveries, finding the boundary nine times during an aggressive opening stand.

Pakistan looked well placed to push beyond the 180-run mark, but regular wickets in the closing overs slowed their progress.

Eman Naseer added 21 from 27 balls, while Ayesha Zafar provided late impetus with a quick 17 off 11 deliveries, including two sixes.

Further down the order, Saira Jabeen scored 13 from eight balls, Eyman Fatima made five, Umm-e-Hani contributed five, and Waheeda Akhtar was dismissed without scoring.

Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back effectively after the strong opening partnership.

All-rounder Kavisha Dilhari was the most successful bowler with figures of 2-36, while Kawya Kavindi and ChamudiPraboda picked up one wicket apiece.

The two teams will meet again in the second T20I as Pakistan look to level the series, while Sri Lanka will aim to seal victory on home soil.