Pakistan Triumphs Over Sri Lanka in T20 Clash

In their first T20 World Cup meeting in a decade, Pakistan’s resilient spin attack and lower-order resilience earned them a 31-run win over Sri Lanka on a slowing Sharjah pitch. After choosing to bat first, Pakistan posted a modest 116 before restricting Sri Lanka, who struggled to maintain pace after losing their opener, Chamari Athapaththu, early in the chase.

Captain Fatima Sana’s decision to bat initially raised questions, but she proved right, as the absence of dew in the second innings allowed Pakistan’s spinners to dominate. Despite the loss of pacer Diana Baig due to a calf injury, Pakistan maintained control, with Sana using her spin resources effectively.

Athapaththu had aimed to limit Pakistan to below 120 and came close with her team’s disciplined bowling. However, Sana’s crucial 20-ball 30 cameo near the end lifted Pakistan's score. Pakistan attempted an aggressive start, only to be set back by regular wickets. Sugandika Kumari struck first, catching Gull Feroza behind, followed by Muneeba Ali, who was also taken by Kumari with a well-held catch by wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani. Sidra Amin’s attempted slog fell to Athapaththu, leaving Pakistan at 32 for 3 within the PowerPlay.

Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail steadied the innings, adding 25 runs before another setback. Omaima was caught off a mistimed sweep against Kavisha Dilhari, followed by Dar’s dismissal by Prabodhani. Athapaththu continued her impact by removing Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz in the 14th over, reducing Pakistan to a vulnerable 84 for 8. Sana then partnered with Nashra Sandhu, who contributed only 4 runs while Sana smashed three fours and a six, raising Pakistan’s total before her dismissal in the final over. Pakistan was eventually bowled out with four balls left.

In Sri Lanka’s response, Pakistan’s bowling strength shone as Sana took Athapaththu’s wicket early, while Omaima struck twice, removing Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera, leaving Sri Lanka staggering at 35 for 3. Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal contributed with key wickets as Sri Lanka’s batters struggled to score boundaries, managing only three in the entire innings and none beyond the eighth over.

With precision and spin variations, Pakistan controlled the chase, securing a dominant win. The game ended with Sri Lanka stranded at 85 for 9, unable to build any significant momentum against Pakistan’s well-orchestrated bowling display.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 116 in 20 overs (Fatima Sana 30; Chamari Athapaththu 3-18, Sugandika Kumari 3-19, Udeshika Prabodhani 3-20) defeated Sri Lanka 85/9 in 20 overs (Sadia Iqbal 3-17, Fatima Sana 2-10, Nashra Sandhu 2-15) by 31 runs.