In the 2nd match of group A ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024held in Sharjah on Thursday (October 3). Pakistan won comfortably over Sri Lanka By 31 runs. Defending a modest total of 116, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack restricted Sri Lanka to 85/9 in their allotted 20 overs, ensuring a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
Fatima Sana and Nida Dar anchor Pakistan’s innings
Pakistan’s batting initially struggled with open strokes Muniba Ali and Seagull Feroza cheaply fired. Muneeba managed 11 off 14 balls while Feroza fell for just 2 runs in the second innings. Sidra Amen added some quick runs but was dismissed after scoring 12 off 10 balls. As the innings progressed, the partnership between Pakistan found stability Omaima Sohail and Nida Dar. Omaima contributed 18 off 19 but Nida Dar’s 22 off 23 kept Pakistan afloat. However, the standout performance came from him Fatima SanaPlayed a decisive late order knock from 20 balls, three boundaries and six shots off 30. His aggressive batting helped Pakistan reach a competitive total of 116. Pakistan struggled to build a consistent partnership but Sana’s final knock ensured they had something to defend.
Sugandika Kumari and Chamari Athapaththu keep Pakistan in check
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack led by Sugandika Kumari and captain Chamari AtapathuPakistan kept their batting under constant pressure. Kumari was exceptional, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs. His early scoring prowess stifled Pakistan’s momentum, especially when he dismissed both Muneeba and Ghagai early in the innings. Athapaththu also made a significant contribution by taking 3 Wickets for 18 runs. He fired Amy, Aliya Riaz and Tuba Hasandisrupting key partnerships at crucial moments. Udeshika Prabodhani Well supported by taking 3 wickets for 20 runs.
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Vishmi Gunaratne’s resilience fails to save Sri Lanka
To drive away 117Sri Lanka’s innings never got off the ground as they lost early wickets, starting with captain Athapaththu, who fell for just 6 runs. Vishmi Gunaratne He was Sri Lanka’s top scorer with 20 off 34 balls, but he struggled to find support from the rest of the squad. Doors were regularly falling down Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera they cannot turn their starters. Both were dismissed for single-digit scores and Sri Lanka reached 35 for 3. Nilakshika Silva showed some resistance with 22 from 25 ballsbut by then the run rate required had risen and Sri Lanka found themselves unable to form any meaningful partnerships. A lack of intent and a steady fall of wickets saw Sri Lanka at 85/9, well short of the target.
Sadia Iqbal and Fatima shine for Pakistan
They put up a great performance with Pakistan’s bowlers Sadi Iqbal and headed by Fatima. Sadia picked up 3 wickets for 17 runs in four overs, including the crucial wicket of Gunaratne, the only batsman who offered some resistance. He also fired Nilakshika Silva and Sugandika KumariEnsuring that Sri Lanka’s lower order had no chance of recovery. Fatima was equally impressive with the ball after an impressive batting display, taking 2 wickets for just 10 runs in 2.5 overs. He both Sri Lankan captain Athapaththu and Cut your hairfurther destabilizing the pursuit. Sohail also contributed with the ball taking 2 wickets for 17 runs.
Pakistan start their T20 World Cup campaign on a winning note#PAKvSL #T20WorldCup #cricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/VDnkFyGeRN
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 3, 2024
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This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
