In an exhilarating match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team triumphed over Pakistan by three wickets in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024. The hosts successfully chased down Pakistan’s target of 141 runs, securing their spot in the final.
The match’s climax saw Sri Lanka needing three runs off the final over, with Pakistan’s captain Nida Dar bowling. Despite Dar’s valiant effort to create pressure, a wide ball in the closing moments turned the tide in favor of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s chase began on a shaky note, losing Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama early, leaving them at 19-2 within the first four overs. However, captain Chamari Athapaththu anchored the innings with a stellar performance, scoring 63 runs off 48 balls, including ten boundaries, guiding her team close to the target.
Anushka Sanjeewani’s vital contribution of 24 runs down the order ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line with just one ball to spare. For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Dar and Omaima Sohail picked up one each.
Batting first, Pakistan had a solid start with openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali putting up a 61-run partnership. Feroza was dismissed for 25 by Udeshika Prabodhani, who also claimed the wicket of Muneeba in the same over after she scored 37 off 34 balls. Sidra Amin managed just 10 runs before falling.
Captain Nida Dar provided a quick-fire 23 off 17 balls, supported by Fatima Sana (23 off 17) and Aliya Riaz (16 off 15), which helped Pakistan set a competitive total of 141 runs. Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari were the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, each taking two wickets.
The victory sets up an exciting final clash between Sri Lanka and India on July 28 in Dambulla.
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
1. Vishmi Gunaratne
2. Chamari Athapaththu (c)
3. Harshitha Samarawickrama
4. Hasini Perera
5. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)
6. Kavisha Dilhari
7. Nilakshi de Silva
8. Inoshi Priyadharshani
9. Udeshika Prabodhani
10. Sugandika Kumari
11. Achini Kulasuriya
Pakistan Playing XI:
1. Gull Feroza
2. Muneeba Ali (wk)
3. Sidra Amin
4. Nida Dar (c)
5. Omaima Sohail
6. Aliya Riaz
7. Fatima Sana
8. Tuba Hassan
9. Sadia Iqbal
10. Nashra Sandhu
11. Syeda Aroob Shah
