Pakistan’s slow bowlers had a great day, leading their team to a 31-run victory and a fantastic start to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The match took place in Sharjah. Captain Fatima Sana’s quick 30 runs helped Pakistan reach a total of 116 while batting first. Pakistan then capitalised on the conditions to stifle Sri Lanka’s chase.
Omaima Sohail (2/17) and Nashra Sandhu (2/15) used their variations in pace to stifle Sri Lanka’s batting, making it challenging for them to score boundaries.
In the end, Sri Lanka could only manage 84 runs for the loss of nine wickets. This win puts Pakistan in a good position in Pool A, where they will face tough competition from Australia, India, and New Zealand.
Advantages for the bowlers
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. However, their initial performance was challenging as Gull Feroza was caught behind off the bowling of Sugandika Kumari for just two runs in the second over.
Muneeba Ali attempted to counterattack and even managed to hit the first six of the tournament, but she fell victim to Kumari for 11 runs.
Chamari Athapaththu then joined the action by taking a catch to dismiss Sidra Amin for 12 runs, leaving Pakistan at 32 for three.
Nida Dar and Omaima tried to stabilise the innings with a 25-run partnership, but Kavisha Dilhari broke the partnership, leaving Pakistan at 57 for four at the halfway stage.
As the game progressed, the wickets continued to tumble. Nida was the next to depart after scoring 23 runs, closely followed by Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz, who were both dismissed on successive balls by Athapaththu, who finished with figures of 3/18.
Although Athapaththu missed out on completing a hat-trick, Diana Baig became Kumari’s third victim, leaving Pakistan struggling at 84 for eight. However, skipper Fatima took charge, playing a quick innings of 30 runs before being dismissed in the final over.
Despite her efforts, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 116 off the final ball of their 20 overs.
An easy target though
In response, the Pakistan made a significant early breakthrough when Athapaththu was dismissed by Fatima in the third over, as she chipped the ball to extra cover and departed after scoring just six runs.
Shortly after,Omaima clean-bowled Harshitha Samarawickrama while trying to play across the line. She was removed from the game after scoring seven runs. Omaima delivered another exceptional ball to dismiss Hasini Perera for 8 runs, leaving the Sri Lankan team at 35 for three, with the required run rate approaching seven runs per over.
Nashra then entered the attack and capitalised on Sri Lanka’s attempt to increase the run rate, taking the wickets of Dilhari (3) and the well-set Vishmi Gunaratne (20) in consecutive overs.
After that pivotal moment, Sri Lanka struggled to regain their footing in pursuit of victory. Sadia Iqbal played a crucial role by taking three wickets, including the dismissal of Nilakshika Silva for 22, effectively maintaining the pressure.
Finally, Fatima contributed to the team’s success by securing a wicket in the final over, finishing with impressive figures of two wickets for 10 runs in a thoroughly commanding victory.
Match summery
Pakistan scored 116 runs and got all out in 20 overs. Fatima Sana scored 30 runs and Nida Dar scored 23 runs. Chamari Athapaththu took 3 wickets for 18 runs, Sugandika Kumari took 3 wickets for 19 runs, and Udeshika Prabodhani took 3 wickets for 20 runs.
Sri Lanka scored 85 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. Nilakshika Silva scored 22 runs and Vishmi Gunaratne scored 20 runs. Sadia Iqbal took 3 wickets for 17 runs, Fatima Sana took 2 wickets for 10 runs, Nashra Sandhu took 2 wickets for 15 runs, and Omaima Sohail took 2 wickets for 17 runs.
