PAK-W vs SL-W, Women's T20 World Cup: Pakistan Triumph Sri Lanka by 31 Runs, Sadia Iqbal Shines

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PAK-W vs SL-W: Pakistan Women began their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a solid 31-run victory over Sri Lanka at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 3, thanks to a brilliant bowling display led by Sadia Iqbal.

Defending a modest target of 117, Pakistan's bowlers took control early in the match, and Sri Lanka's batters struggled to gain any momentum throughout their innings.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted a total of 116 runs before being bowled out in the final over. Fatima Sana was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a quickfire 30 from 20 deliveries. Pakistan's top order struggled against the disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, with Chamari Athapaththu and Sugandika Kumari causing major problems.

Nida Dar (23) and Omaima Sohail (18) provided brief resistance, but wickets fell at regular intervals, limiting Pakistan's scoring opportunities. Prabodhani (3/18) and Athapaththu (3/15) were the key wicket-takers for Sri Lanka, dismantling the middle and lower order.

In response, Sri Lanka's chase got off to a rocky start when their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, fell for 6 in the second over, caught at point off Fatima Sana's bowling. Sri Lanka never recovered from the early blow, as Pakistan's bowlers applied constant pressure. Sadia Iqbal (3/11) was the star with the ball, claiming crucial wickets, including Nilakshi de Silva (22) and Sugandika Kumari, to keep the Sri Lankan innings in check.

Despite some resistance from Nilakshi de Silva, the Sri Lankan batting lineup faltered, losing wickets at key intervals. Nida Dar (1/14) and Nashra Sandhu (2/16) were also instrumental in stifling the run chase. Sri Lanka's inability to find boundaries, coupled with disciplined fielding from Pakistan, further dented their hopes of chasing down the total. The match ended with Sri Lanka managing only 85/9 in their 20 overs.

Fatima Sana was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance, contributing both with the bat and ball. This win gives Pakistan a solid start to their T20 World Cup campaign, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next match.