Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai
Pakistan secured a commanding 31-run victory over Sri Lanka in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 game at Sharjah Stadium. Despite being bowled out for a modest 116, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance to dismantle Sri Lanka’s chase, ensuring a winning start.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana opted to bat. However, the decision backfired, as the team was bowled out for just 116 in 20 overs. From Muneeba Ali to Omaina Sohail at No. 4, none of the batters managed to post significant scores. The experienced Nida Dar provided some stability with a 23-run knock off 22 balls, supported by captain Fatima Sana, who contributed a quickfire 30 off 20 at an impressive strike rate of 150.
The batting line-up struggled to cope with the pressure, unable to score freely throughout the innings. For Sri Lanka, left-arm medium-pacer Udeshika Prabodhani claimed three wickets for 20 runs, while the spin trio of Sugandika Kumari (3), Chamari Athapaththu (3), and Kavisha Dilhari (1) accounted for the remaining seven wickets.
Pakistan’s woes deepened when their key bowler, Diana Baig, appeared to pull a muscle after just one delivery in the first over. Despite receiving initial treatment from the physios, she had to limp off the field. Fatima Sana stepped in to complete the over and later made an impact by taking the crucial wicket of Athapaththu in her second over, restricting the Sri Lankan captain to just six runs off nine balls.
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🚨Pakistan🇵🇰 off to a good start to the ICC Women’s T20 WC 2024 campaign! #T20WomensWorldCup pic.twitter.com/tKqoSu4mZa
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 3, 2024
This breakthrough gave Pakistan a much-needed boost, and they quickly claimed another wicket in the final over of the powerplay. Omaima Sohail bowled Harshitha Samarawickrama, who was dismissed for seven off 10 balls. Sohail continued to impress with her off-spin, taking another wicket in her second over. Then, Nashra Sandhu entered the attack and grabbed two quick wickets, further disrupting Sri Lanka’s chase.
By the end of the 13th over, Sri Lanka were struggling at 52 for five, with only Vishmi Gunaratne managing to reach double digits, scoring 20 off 34 balls. Sadia Iqbal chipped in with three wickets and Fatima added one more to her tally, as Sri Lanka only managed 95 runs for 9 in 20 overs.
Pakistan skipper, Fatima Sana was adjusted the Player of the Match for her all-round performance. Pakistan’s next match is against India in Dubai International Stadium while Sri Lanka will face Australia in Sharjah.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 116 all out in 20 ovs (Fatima Sana 30, Chamari Athapaththu 3/18) beat Sri Lanka 85/9 in 20 ovs (Nilakshika Silva 22, Sadia Iqbal 3/17) by 31 runs.
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