The Sri Lanka women's cricket team triumphed over Pakistan women by six wickets in the second T20 International held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday, thereby securing an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, got off to a flying start, with openers Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar putting together an impressive partnership of 90 runs in just 9.5 overs. The duo established a solid foundation during the powerplay, reaching 68 runs without losing a wicket.
Muneeba Ali delivered a brisk performance, scoring 45 runs off 30 balls, which included six boundaries and a six. Shawaal Zulfiqar was the top scorer for Pakistan, contributing 48 runs from 35 balls, featuring eight fours. Despite losing both openers in quick succession, Pakistan maintained a steady scoring rate throughout their innings.
Eman Naseer added 21 runs from 21 balls, while Saira Jabeen chipped in with a quick 16 runs off just nine deliveries, hitting three fours. Eyman Fatima provided a late surge for Pakistan, finishing her innings unbeaten on 30 runs from only 19 balls, which included three fours and two sixes. This late acceleration helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 175 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted overs.
For Sri Lanka, Chamudi Praboda was the standout bowler, claiming two wickets for 27 runs. In response, Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Waheeda Akhtar dismissed Sri Lanka's Imesha Dulani for just five runs in the second over.
Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu, quickly turned the tide with a remarkable counter-attack, scoring 40 runs off just 15 balls, which included five fours and three sixes. Umm-e-Hani was instrumental for Pakistan, taking the crucial wickets of Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne, who scored 31 runs, finishing with figures of two wickets for 28 runs in her four overs.
Making her T20 International debut, Sanjana Kavindi was a key player for Sri Lanka, scoring 46 runs off 24 balls. Harshitha Samarawickrama also played a vital role, remaining unbeaten on 37 runs from 22 balls. Kavisha Dilhari contributed a valuable 14 runs, helping Sri Lanka chase down the target in 17.4 overs, losing four wickets in the process.
The third and final match of the series is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Tuesday, where both teams will look to finalize their strategies for the concluding game.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka Women 178-4 in 17.4 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 46, Chamari Athapaththu 40, Harshitha Samarawickrama 37 not out; Umm-e-Hani 2-28) beat Pakistan Women 175-5 in 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 48, Muneeba Ali 45, Eyman Fatima 30 not out; Chamudi Praboda 2-27).
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