After a hard-fought ODI leg where Sri Lanka clinched a 2-1 series victory, the focus now shifts to the shortest format as Pakistan Women face off against Sri Lanka Women in the 1st T20I at Dambulla. Hosts Sri Lanka come into this clash brimming with confidence following back-to-back victories in the 50-over games, spearheaded by veteran skipper Chamari Athapaththu and top run-scorer Harshitha Samarawickrama. On the other hand, Pakistan will see wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali taking charge as Fatima Sana heads to the United Kingdom for The Hundred 2026.
Squads:
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Sanjana Kavindi, Harshitha Samarawickrama (WK), Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nimasha Meepage, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Maham Anees, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Sidra Amin, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana (C), Saira Jabeen, Syeda Aroob Shah, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sandhu, Umm-e-Hani, Tasmia Rubab, Waheeda Akhtar
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
In her 162 WT20I matches spanning from 2009 to 2026, Chamari Athapaththu has accumulated 3,924 runs across 159 innings at an average of 26.16 and a strike rate of 112.37. The veteran opener has anchored Sri Lanka’s top order with four centuries and 14 fifties, smashing 516 fours and clearing the rope 102 times along the way. Her career-best score of 119* highlights her ability to play massive match-winning knocks for her side.
Muneeba Ali
Featuring in 94 WT20I matches for Pakistan between 2016 and 2026, Muneeba Ali has tallied 1,712 runs in 92 innings at an average of 20.14. Her career highlights include a top score of 102, anchoring her record of two centuries and three half-centuries with a strike rate of 98.50. She has dispatched 200 fours and 15 sixes so far, serving as a dependable top-order option for her team.
Nashra Sandhu
Since her WT20I debut in 2017, Nashra Sandhu has built a solid bowling record for Pakistan, taking 79 wickets in 82 matches at an average of 21.26. Across 302.4 overs, she has kept batters under tight control with an economy rate of 5.55 and a strike rate of 22.98. Her career-best performance stands at 4/18, backed up by six maiden overs that reflect her consistency with line and length.
Pitch:
The surface at Rangiri Dambulla is famously firm, dry, and baked under the central province sun. Early on, seamers can extract a bit of skiddy, sharp bounce off the hard clay, but as the overs wear down, the pitch reveals its true character. The top layer wears away to expose a dry foundation, turning the square into a slow, gripping deck where spinners dictate the tempo.
Weather:
Warm, tropical breezes sweep across throughout the morning, baking the outfield under open skies. Yet by late afternoon, towering grey rain clouds frequently roll in, bringing sudden gusts and brief, heavy downpours that force the covers on.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Chamari Athapaththu, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Ayesha Zafar, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Tasmia Rubab, Sugandika Kumari
Match Details:
Date – July 31, 2026
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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