By Deepak Sharma
Email: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Sharjah, UAE – 3 October 2024: Pakistan’s spinners orchestrated a brilliant 31-run victory over Sri Lanka, marking a dream start to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Playing in Sharjah, Pakistan defended a modest total of 116, thanks to a strong all-round performance by their slow bowlers.
Captain Fatima Sana’s brisk 30 helped Pakistan recover from a challenging batting effort, setting up a total that proved too much for Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Nashra Sandhu (2/15) and Omaima Sohail (2/17), effectively stifled Sri Lanka’s chase, restricting them to 85 for nine in their 20 overs.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan faced early trouble as opener Gull Feroza fell for two in the second over, caught behind off Sugandika Kumari (3/19). Muneeba Ali briefly counterattacked, hitting the first six of the tournament, but was also dismissed by Kumari for 11.
Chamari Athapaththu further dented Pakistan’s innings, taking a sharp return catch to remove Sidra Amin (12), leaving Pakistan struggling at 32 for three. Nida Dar (23) and Omaima Sohail (18) steadied the innings with a 25-run partnership, but Sri Lanka continued to chip away with regular wickets. Athapaththu’s double strike in the 13th over, dismissing Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz on consecutive deliveries, left Pakistan in deeper trouble at 84 for eight.
However, skipper Fatima Sana stepped up with a crucial 30, smashing vital boundaries before being dismissed in the final over, as Pakistan were bowled out for 116 off the last ball of their innings.
In response, Pakistan struck early, with Fatima Sana dismissing Sri Lankan captain Athapaththu for just six in the third over. Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum as Harshitha Samarawickrama was bowled by Omaima for seven, and Hasini Perera followed soon after, leaving Sri Lanka at 35 for three.
Nashra Sandhu tightened the screws with two wickets in quick succession, including the dismissal of set batter Vishmi Gunaratne (20), as Sri Lanka’s chase faltered. Sadia Iqbal (3/17) also contributed with key wickets, including Nilakshika Silva (22), as Pakistan maintained a stranglehold on the game.
Fittingly, Fatima Sana wrapped up the match, claiming a wicket in the final over to complete a comprehensive 31-run victory.
Scores in Brief:
Pakistan: 116 all out in 20 overs (Fatima Sana 30, Nida Dar 23; Chamari Athapaththu 3/18, Sugandika Kumari 3/19, Udeshika Prabodhani 3/20)
Sri Lanka: 85/9 in 20 overs (Nilakshika Silva 22, Vishmi Gunaratne 20; Sadia Iqbal 3/17, Fatima Sana 2/10, Nashra Sandhu 2/15, Omaima Sohail 2/17)
Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs