Key Takeaways
- Imesha Dulani scores her maiden T20I century, helping Sri Lanka to a six-wicket victory.
- Pakistan's Shawaal Zulfiqar returns from injury with an impressive 63 but falls short.
- Sri Lanka’s aggressive chase and strong bowling performance overshadow Pakistan's record-setting innings.
In the opening match of a three-match series, Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 International at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Imesha Dulani’s unbeaten 101 off 64 balls anchored Sri Lanka's successful chase of 177.
Shawaal Zulfiqar, making her first international appearance since September last year, contributed with a fluent 63 off 41 deliveries. The opener was part of an aggressive start by Pakistan, racing to 66 for the opening wicket in just six overs.
Pakistan's innings was built around Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar’s rapid start, who plundered 64 runs in the powerplay as Muneeba struck nine boundaries before being run out. Eman Naseer added to Pakistan's efforts with a confident 21.
Despite a strong start, Pakistan faltered in the final five overs, adding only 49 runs. Saira Jabeen (12 off eight), Eyman Fatima and Umm-e-Hani contributed late cameos but could not turn the tide. Kavisha Dilhari took two wickets for 36.
Sri Lanka matched Pakistan's attacking intent with Chamari Athapaththu’s aggressive batting, adding 78 in just 7.1 overs to seize control of the chase. Athapaththu was dismissed by Nashra Sandhu, who claimed her 201st wicket across international formats.
Umm-e-Hani provided field support with a superb diving catch at long-on and later took another catch as Harshitha Samarawickrama departed off Sandhu. Dulani remained composed, rotating the strike efficiently against Nashra while punishing other bowlers.
Dulani completed her maiden international century off 63 balls, becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I hundred after Athapaththu. The hosts reached 177-4 with six balls remaining, securing their first win over Pakistan in this format.
Pakistan handed WT20I debuts to batter Eman and left-arm spinner Momina Riasat but were left ruing a below-par bowling display after their top order had laid the foundation for what appeared a match-winning total.
