Pakistan Women began their three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka Women with a convincing five-wicket victory at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on July 23, 2026. Chasing 211, Pakistan reached 211/5 in 43 overs to win with 42 balls remaining and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept taking wickets at important moments. Sri Lanka finished their 50 overs on 210/9, with captain Chamari Athapaththu and Nilakshi de Silva leading the batting effort.
Vishmi Gunaratne gave Sri Lanka a steady start with 28 runs from 38 balls, including four fours. Athapaththu then played a patient knock of 46 from 67 balls, hitting six boundaries. She added valuable runs before being dismissed by Nashra Sandhu.
Hasini Perera also made a useful contribution, scoring 35 from 63 balls with three fours. However, Harshitha Samarawickrama struggled to get going and was dismissed for two. Kavisha Dilhari then added 35 from 46 balls, hitting three fours, to help Sri Lanka recover. Nilakshi de Silva stayed unbeaten on 46 from 50 balls, with two fours, and helped Sri Lanka reach a competitive total of 210/9. Anushka Sanjeewani scored three, while Madara and Gayani Chamari Vimukthi made two each. Inoka Ranaweera was run out for a duck, while Nimasha Meepage remained unbeaten on one.
Nashra Sandhu was Pakistan’s best bowler, taking 3/42 from her 10 overs. Tasmia Rubab also impressed with 2/34, while Fatima Sana, Umme Hani and Syeda Aroob Shah picked up one wicket each.
Pakistan started their chase positively, with Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza putting together a useful opening partnership. Shamas scored 20 from 27 balls before being dismissed by Chamari Athapaththu.
Gull Feroza then took control of the chase with an excellent innings. The opener scored 78 from 77 balls, hitting 11 fours and playing with confidence throughout her knock. Her innings provided Pakistan with the perfect platform while also earning her the Player of the Match award. Sidra Ameen also played an important role, scoring a patient 57 from 94 balls with five fours. The pair helped Pakistan build a strong partnership and put the visitors in a comfortable position.
After Feroza was dismissed by Kavisha Dilhari, Ameen continued to keep the chase on track. Ayesha Zafar then added a quick unbeaten 27 from 31 balls, including a six and a four.
Pakistan suffered a couple of late setbacks when Muneeba Ali was dismissed for one and Najiha Alvi fell for 13. However, Ayesha stayed at the crease and was joined by captain Fatima Sana, who scored an unbeaten four from four balls.
Pakistan reached 211/5 in 43 overs, completing the chase with 42 balls remaining and sealing a five-wicket win.
For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari was the most successful bowler with 2/37 from nine overs. Chamari Athapaththu, Nimasha Meepage and Inoka Ranaweera took one wicket each, but Sri Lanka could not stop Pakistan once the visitors gained control of the chase.
The victory gave Pakistan an early advantage in the three-match series. Gull Feroza’s 78 was the biggest highlight of the chase, while Nashra Sandhu’s three-wicket spell helped keep Sri Lanka’s total under control.
Sri Lanka will now look to bounce back in the second ODI, while Pakistan will aim to build on their strong start and move one step closer to winning the series. The second ODI will be played on July 25, 2026, followed by the third and final ODI on July 28, 2026. With both teams having plenty of experienced players, the remaining matches are expected to bring more competitive cricket as Sri Lanka fight to level the series and Pakistan look to maintain their lead.