Pakistan pulled off a stunning 31-run victory over Sri Lanka during their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash. Against all odds, Pakistan’s captain, Fatima Sana, masterminded a brilliant defense of a modest total, guiding her side to a well-deserved win.
Electing to bat first on a sluggish Sharjah pitch, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start. The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Sugandika Kumari and Chamari Athapaththu, quickly capitalized on the conditions.
Kumari’s two early breakthroughs, combined with Athapaththu’s sharp bowling, left Pakistan reeling at 32 for 3 within the first six overs. However, Fatima Sana, coming in at No.7, provided some much-needed resistance. Her quick knock of 30 runs allowed Pakistan to push their total to 117. Udeshika Prabodhani, Kumari, and Athapaththu were standout bowlers, each taking three wickets.
Despite their low total, Pakistan’s bowlers were up to the task. Fatima Sana made shrewd tactical choices with her bowling changes, using her spinners to devastating effect. Sadia Iqbal, Omaima Sohail, and Nashra Sandhu took full advantage of the pitch’s slow turn. Their combined efforts accounted for seven wickets, preventing Sri Lanka from building any significant partnerships. Sri Lanka’s chase never really took off, with the key wicket of Athapaththu early on putting them on the back foot.
Although Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshi de Silva tried to stabilize the innings, they couldn’t break free from the relentless Pakistan spin attack.
Fatima Sana’s exceptional day on the field—both with bat and ball—earned her the Player of the Match title. Her crucial 30 runs and impressive bowling figures of 2 for 10 were instrumental in Pakistan’s defense of their modest total.
The social media platform “X” (formerly known as Twitter) lit up with praise for Fatima Sana’s inspiring leadership after Pakistan’s stunning victory. Fans celebrated standout performances from Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, and Omaima Sohail, whose bowling heroics were key to the win. Sri Lanka’s bowlers also received well-deserved recognition.
Fatima Sana can be a great example for many upcoming women cricketers from Pakistan. Captaining the side at just 22 years.
30 of just 20 balls + 2 wickets. 👏#PAKvSL #T20WomensWorldCup #T20WorldCup2024
— Preksha (@Preksha_rai456) October 3, 2024
Pakistsn defend 117 runs to beat Asia Cup champs Sri Lanka by 31 runs in #T20WorldCup opener!
Fatima Sana lead by example to inspire victory. Spinners @sadiaiqbal45, @omaima_sohail & @nashra_sundhu06 take 7 wickets! 👌#PAKvSL #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/6H8ldtl3S0— Rai M. Azlan (@Mussanaf) October 3, 2024
Sadia Iqbal just continues to pick wickets by the bucketful
Her 27 wickets are well ahead of any other bowler from a Full Member nation this year in T20Is
17 wickets in her last 7 T20Is for Sadia now after 3/17 today#T20WorldCup #PAKvSL
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) October 3, 2024
Congrats Pakistan Women team!!
– Pakistan’s 2nd biggest win against Sri Lanka
– Pakistan’s 3rd biggest win in the #T20WorldCup
– Pakistan’s 4th lowest total defended successfully
– Fatima Sana 2nd youngest captain to win a match in ICC T20 World Cup #PAKvSL— Farhan Nisar (@farhanwrites) October 3, 2024
What a brilliant start to the World Cup campaign! 👏 A 31-run Win against the Asian Champions Sri Lanka.
SLAs Sadia & Nashra being at their best as always, Fatima Sana doing well at all fronts, Omaima Sohail getting the important wickets 🙌
📷 icc/getty#T20WorldCup | #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/MkiRi4s8k8
— Saim | صائم (@saimali_2001) October 3, 2024
🇱🇰 Excellent effort from Sri Lankan bowlers.
Sugandika Kumari & Chamari Athapaththu take 3 wickets apiece to restrict Pakistan to 116 🎯#IccwomensT20worldcup2024#Cricket#cricket02update @cricket02update pic.twitter.com/OdJJx5qpeJ
— Cricket Updates (@cricket02update) October 3, 2024
2 off spinners, 2 left arm orthodox, 1 leg spinner and 2 pace bowlers
Pakistan have a v good bowling attack for these conditions with all the basis covered🙌
Defending this low total against an on paper stronger SL team will boast their confidence too🔥#PAKvSL#T20WomensWorldCup— Faiz Rajpoot (@FaizRajpoot00) October 3, 2024
22 years old Fatima Sana is the second youngest captain, after Australia’s Meg Lanning, to win a match in ICC women’s T20 World Cups. #PAKvSL #T20WomensWorldCup
— Maddy (@ms210999) October 3, 2024