ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stunned Asian champions Sri Lanka in their opening match of the Women T20 World Cup, winning by 31 runs at the Sharjah Stadium Thursday evening.
In what turned out to be a low-scoring game, Pakistan set up a modest 117 victory target for Sri Lanka to chase. Sri Lanka in reply were restricted to 85 for 9.
Pakistan spinners led by Nashua Sandhu (2-15) and Omaima Sohail (2-17) triggered Sri Lanka’s collapse, reducing them to 52 for 5 in the 13th over. Both spinners bowled to a tight line and length, making it difficult for Sri Lankan batters to score freely. Once the ace Sri Lankan player Chamari Athapaththu (6) was taken at mid-off by Omaima off Fatima Saba’s bowling, Sri Lanka women started batting under pressure.
Earlier, skipper Fatima Sana smashed one six and two fours in her 20-ball 30 to take Pakistan’s total beyond 100. Fatima, who later was named player of the match, thanked the team for supporting her.
“In the face of the low target, we worked hard to pin down Sri Lanka.”
Fatima admitted that Athapaththu’s wicket was important. “We knew well that once we got the Lankan captain, it would not be easy for Lanka to chase down the total. That is exactly what happened.” Pakistan will next play India at the Dubai Sports City Stadium on October 6.
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