SHARJAH (Dunya News) – Pakistan registered a convincing win of 31 runs over Sri Lanka in their first match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah on Thursday.
A splendid bowling performance by Pakistan helped defend the target of 117 runs as Lankans were restricted to 85 runs in 20-over game.
Opener Vishmi Gunarathne made 20 runs. Except two players, no batsman could score in double digit in the match.
Sadia Iqbal took three wickets while Nashra Sandhu and Omaima Sohail claimed two scalps each.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They posted a total of 116 runs, thanks to the fiery knock by captain Fatima Sana.
Team Green’s opening was unimpressive as Sugandika Kumari got early breakthroughs by dismissing Gull Feroza for two and Muneeba Ali Siddiq for 11 runs. Another quick wicket was lost when Athapaththu removed Sidra Amin for 12.
Nidar Dar made 23 runs in a bid to boost the total before she was removed by Prabodani. At this time Fatima Sana played a captain’s inning and smashed 32 off 20 balls, helping her side post a challenging total for opponent team.
Aliya Riaz went for duck while Diana Baig removed for two.
The Pakistan women’s team are slotted in Group ‘A’ alongside Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa and the West Indies are in Group ‘B’.
Pakistan will feature against arch-rivals India on Oct 6 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). Pakistan will then be in action against defending champions Australia on Oct 11 at the DICS, while their last group match will be against New Zealand on Oct 14 at the same venue.
As per the format of the tournament, top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals set to take place on Oct 17 and 18, while the winner of the tournament will be decided on Oct 20. The first ball of the final, to take place at the DICS, is expected to be bowled at 6pm local time.
Squads:
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali Siddiqi (wk), Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana Khan (c), Omaima Sohail, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Diana Baig