In a thrilling semi-final encounter of the ACC T20 Asia Cup 2024, Pakistan women lost to Sri Lanka by three wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Sri Lanka chased down Pakistan’s target of 141 runs with just one ball to spare, thanks to a stellar performance by their captain, Chamari Athapaththu.
Pakistan posted a competitive total of 140-4, anchored by solid partnerships throughout their innings. Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali provided a strong start with a 61-run opening stand. Gull scored 25 off 24 balls, including three boundaries, while Muneeba was more aggressive, hitting 37 off 34 balls with five fours.
The middle order maintained momentum as Sidra Amin and Nida Dar added 30 runs for the third wicket. Nida displayed her hitting prowess with 23 off 17 balls, including two fours and a six. The innings concluded with an unbroken 41-run partnership between Aliya Riaz (16 not out) and Fatima Sana (23 not out), pushing Pakistan to a defendable total.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was led by Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari, both of whom claimed two wickets, conceding 23 and 30 runs respectively.
Sri Lanka’s Chase
Sri Lanka faced early setbacks, losing two quick wickets. However, their captain Chamari Athapaththu anchored the innings with a crucial 63 off 48 balls, including nine fours and a six. Athapaththu’s knock, along with her 59-run partnership with Kavisha Dilhari, revived the chase. Anushka Sanjeewani played a vital role, contributing an unbeaten 24 off 22 balls, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the finish line.
Despite Pakistan’s efforts, led by Sadia Iqbal’s career-best figures of 4-16, Sri Lanka reached the target in 19.5 overs, scoring 141-7.
Scores in Brief:
Sri Lanka win by three wickets
- Pakistan Women: 140-4 in 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 37, Gull Feroza 25, Nida Dar 23, Fatima Sana 23 not out; Udeshika Prabodhani 2-23, Kavisha Dilhari 2-30)
- Sri Lanka Women: 141-7 in 19.5 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 63, Anushka Sanjeewani 24 not out, Kavisha Dilhari 17; Sadia Iqbal 4-16, Omaima Sohail 1-16, Nida Dar 1-20)
Player of the Match: Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka Women)
Match Highlights:
- Pakistan’s Key Partnerships:
- Opening stand of 61 runs between Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali.
- Middle-order stability provided by Sidra Amin and Nida Dar.
- Unbroken 41-run partnership between Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana.
- Sri Lanka’s Key Contributions:
- Chamari Athapaththu’s crucial 63 runs anchoring the chase.
- Vital partnerships with Kavisha Dilhari and Anushka Sanjeewani.
Despite a strong performance, Pakistan women fell short, as Sri Lanka secured a place in the final of the ACC T20 Asia Cup 2024.
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