The opening game of the Women’s T20 World Cup was low-scoring, with Pakistan’s bowlers striking in synchrony to lead their side to a remarkable 31-run victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Pakistan was bowled out for 116 in precisely 20 overs while they were batting first. Sri Lanka was stopped at 85 for nine in response.
Pakistan’s captain and player of the match, Fatima Sana, top-scored with 30 runs off of 20 balls, while Udeshika Prabodhani (3/20), Sugandika Kumari (3/19), and Chamari Athapaththu (3/18) split nine wickets between them for Sri Lanka.
Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan in their defence of a modest total, scoring brilliantly with 3/17 in four overs. Omaima Sohail (2/17), Nashra Sandhu (2/15), and captain Sana (2/10) all claimed two wickets apiece.
After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat and got off to a terrible start, losing three wickets in the sixth over with only 32 runs scored.
With the loss of their fourth wicket, Omaima Sohail (18 off 19 balls), in the tenth over, Pakistan’s position worsened as Sri Lanka took control of the match.
With the score at a meek 57 for the loss of four wickets midway through their innings, Pakistan was in serious trouble.
During the first part of Pakistan’s innings, left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari was the main wrecker, taking the wickets of openers Muneeba Ali (11 off 14 balls) and Gull Feroza (2 off 4 balls).
Pakistan, however, ultimately had the last laugh.
Brief scores:
Pakistan: Fatima Sana 30; Chamari Athapaththu 3/18, Sugandika Kumari 3/19, Udeshika Prabodhani 3/20
Sri Lanka: 85/9 in 20 overs (Nilakshi de Silva 22; Sadia Iqbal 3/17).
