In an exhilarating yet low-scoring encounter, Pakistan began their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a triumphant win against their Asian rivals, Sri Lanka, by 31 runs. The match, held at Sharjah, saw both teams grapple with challenging conditions, ultimately showcasing Pakistan's gritty resolve and tactical superiority.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan got off to a shaky start, quickly finding themselves in a precarious situation. With the loss of three wickets and only 32 runs on the board by the sixth over, Sri Lanka appeared to be firmly in control. The early dismissals of openers Muneeba Ali (11 off 14 balls) and Gull Feroza (2 off 4 balls) were orchestrated by Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari, whose brilliant early spell rattled the Pakistani lineup.
Omaima Sohail (18 off 19 balls) attempted to stabilize the innings, but her dismissal in the 10th over further derailed Pakistan's momentum. By the halfway stage, Pakistan’s scorecard looked grim at 57 for 4, with their top order struggling to make any significant impact. Sri Lanka’s seasoned bowlers, including Kumari (3/19), Chamari Athapaththu (3/18), and Udeshika Prabodhani (3/20), kept Pakistan under tight control, restricting them to 116 all out in 20 overs.
Despite the bleak situation, Pakistan’s lower-middle order fought back, thanks to an important innings from captain Fatima Sana. Her knock of 30 off just 20 deliveries brought some much-needed stability and momentum to Pakistan’s innings. Sana’s aggressive yet calculated approach helped Pakistan reach a defensible total, adding critical runs that would later prove pivotal in the outcome of the game. For her all-around contribution, including her later performance with the ball, Sana was rightly named Player of the Match.
Chasing a modest target of 117, Sri Lanka's hopes were high. However, the Pakistan bowling attack had other plans. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal led the charge for Pakistan, producing a match-winning spell of 3/17 in her four overs. Her clever variations and tight line stifled Sri Lanka’s batters, leaving them struggling to build partnerships.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure, with none of their batters except Nilakshi de Silva (22) managing to settle at the crease. The experienced trio of Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu, and Udeshika Prabodhani could not replicate their success with the ball when it came to their batting contributions.
Pakistan’s bowlers, including Omaima Sohail (2/17), Nashra Sandhu (2/15), and captain Fatima Sana (2/10), played a crucial role in applying pressure throughout the innings. Sri Lanka’s batters were unable to handle Pakistan’s consistent bowling performance, managing only 85/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Despite being restricted to a below-par total, Pakistan’s bowling unit turned the game around in spectacular fashion. The bowlers delivered under pressure, with captain Fatima Sana leading by example. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal's performance was instrumental in dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting order, while Omaima Sohail and Nashra Sandhu provided excellent support to ensure Pakistan's successful defence.
Sri Lanka's efforts to chase down the target were thwarted by Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack, ultimately falling 31 runs short of the target. The victory not only gave Pakistan an important win in their opening match of the tournament but also demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Also Read: T20 World Cup: SA-W vs WI-W Dream11 Team, Playing 11, Weather and Pitch Report
Give Your Feedback