Pakistan Women Triumph Over Sri Lanka Women in Low-Scoring Thriller, Win by 31 Runs
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| Pakistan women Successfully defended a low score, winning by 31 runs against Sri Lanka Women. / Getty |
Pakistan Women, led by Fatima Sana, began their ICC campaign with a hard-fought 31-run victory over Sri Lanka Women in a nail-biting low-scoring encounter. Despite a shaky start with the bat, Pakistan's bowlers delivered a masterclass to defend a modest total of 116, outclassing their opponents in a game defined by intense bowling spells from both sides.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble early on. Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Udeshika Prabodhani (3/20), Chamari Athapaththu (3/18), and Sugandika Kumari (3/19), decimated Pakistan's top and middle order. By the 15th over, Pakistan Women were reeling at 84/8, and a sub-100 total looked inevitable.
However, skipper Fatima Sana stood tall, producing a crucial 30 off 20 balls in the death overs. Her counter-attack ensured Pakistan reached a fighting total of 116 before being bowled out. Sri Lanka, riding on the momentum from their brilliant bowling performance, seemed poised to chase down the target.
In response, the Sri Lankan innings never gained traction. Their hopes were dealt an early blow when captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed within the first three overs by her counterpart, Fatima Sana. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to cope with Pakistan's disciplined bowling. Regular wickets kept falling, and the run rate soared, pushing Sri Lanka deeper into trouble.
Sadia Iqbal, who claimed 3 wickets for just 17 runs, was the standout bowler for Pakistan. She was well supported by the rest of the attack, as Sri Lanka stumbled to 85/9, falling 31 runs short of the target. None of the Sri Lankan batters were able to form a significant partnership, mirroring Pakistan's struggles earlier in the day.
For Fatima Sana, this victory was particularly special as it marked her debut as Pakistan's captain in an ICC tournament. Her all-round performance and tactical acumen played a vital role in securing the win. With this triumph, Pakistan Women have started their campaign on a high note, showcasing their ability to defend even the most modest of totals.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be left ruing their missed opportunity after a strong bowling display. They will look to bounce back quickly in their upcoming matches.
Pakistan Women's next challenge awaits, but this spirited performance will surely boost their confidence as the tournament progresses.