In the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan Women started their campaign with a comprehensive 31-run victory over Sri Lanka Women, a win built on a superb bowling display. The match, held in Sharjah, saw Pakistan post a modest total of 116 runs after their top and middle order faced resistance from Sri Lankan bowlers Chamari Athapaththu (3-18), Sugandika Kumari (3-19), and Udeshika Prabodhani (3-20). Pakistan struggled at 84-8 after a middle-order collapse, but a late cameo from captain Fatima Sana (30 off 20) added crucial runs at the end, lifting them to a defendable score.
Sri Lanka’s chase started poorly, as Pakistani bowlers, led by Sadia Iqbal (3-17) and Fatima Sana (2-10), dismantled their top order. Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s captain, was dismissed for just 6, and despite a brief resistance from Nilakshi de Silva (22), Sri Lanka could only manage 85-9, falling 31 runs short. Pakistan’s bowlers made consistent breakthroughs, and their spin-heavy attack, including Nashra Sandhu (2-15), played a pivotal role in maintaining pressure on Sri Lanka throughout the innings.
Fatima Sana’s all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award in her first game as captain at an ICC tournament, leading Pakistan to avenge their previous Asia Cup semi-final loss to Sri Lanka. Despite a batting collapse in the middle overs, her crucial contributions with both bat and ball set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance. Pakistan now looks ahead to a marquee clash against India, aiming to carry the momentum forward.
This match highlighted Pakistan’s strength in their bowling department, particularly in defending modest totals, while Sri Lanka will need to address their batting issues ahead of their upcoming matches.