Pakistan Women completed a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the third T20I at Dambulla to wrap up the chase with 10 balls to spare, thanks to a composed innings from Ayesha Zafar, who was deservedly named Player of the Match. Chasing a modest target of 114, Pakistan weathered a few hiccups but ensured they crossed the finish line at 115/6 in 18.2 overs, taking the contest with a controlled batting effort after an equally disciplined bowling performance.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka Women looked to build a solid foundation through Imesha Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu. However, Pakistan struck early when Umm-e-Hani removed Dulani for 17 off 17 balls, leaving Sri Lanka at 1/36 in 5.2 overs. The wicket brought Sanjana Kavindi to the crease, and she stitched together an important 36-run partnership with Athapaththu. While the Sri Lankan skipper kept the scoreboard ticking with 34 off 33 deliveries, including five boundaries, Pakistan’s bowlers never allowed her to dominate for long. Momina Riasat broke the stand by dismissing Athapaththu at 72/2 in the 11th over, providing Pakistan with a timely breakthrough.
Sanjana Kavindi continued to play positively and contributed 20 off 18 balls, but she was trapped by Tuba Hassan after adding valuable runs in the middle overs. Sri Lanka then slipped further when Harshitha Samarawickrama managed only 3 runs, becoming Ayesha Zafar’s lone wicket. The hosts found themselves under pressure at 86/4 after 13.6 overs, with Pakistan tightening the screws through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Sri Lanka attempted to rebuild through Kavisha Dilhari, who scored 12 from 15 balls, but Waheeda Akhtar removed her to leave the innings wobbling at 87/5 in 14.3 overs. The lower order, led by Kaushini Nuthyangana, who remained unbeaten on 12 off 18 balls, and Kavya Kavindi, unbeaten on 10 from 12 deliveries, managed to steady the innings with an unbroken stand worth 22 runs for the seventh wicket. Their resistance ensured Sri Lanka batted out the full 20 overs, eventually posting 113/6.
Pakistan’s bowling unit shared the workload impressively. Momina Riasat emerged as the standout performer with figures of 2/18 from four overs, while Umm-e-Hani, Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan, and Ayesha Zafar picked up one wicket each. The collective effort restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par total, with every bowler maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
Pakistan’s chase began confidently despite losing skipper Muneeba Ali after she had provided a brisk start with 19 off 16 balls, including four boundaries. She shared a 29-run opening partnership with Shawaal Zulfiqar, giving Pakistan early momentum before Kavisha Dilhari struck the first blow. Zulfiqar carried on positively and added another 20-run stand with Najiha Alvi, but she departed after a fluent 21 off 12 balls, featuring three fours and a six, leaving Pakistan at 42/2.
Najiha Alvi struggled to accelerate and made 5 from 10 deliveries before Nimasha Meepage dismissed her, reducing Pakistan to 49/3. With the chase briefly hanging in the balance, Ayesha Zafar took charge. Displaying excellent game awareness, she anchored the innings with a match-winning 39 off 31 balls, striking six boundaries at a strike rate above 125.80. Alongside Umm-e-Hani, who contributed 8 runs, she added 12 runs to steady the innings before Umm-e-Hani was run out.
Ayesha then found useful support from Eyman Fatima, as the pair rotated strike efficiently to keep the required rate under control. Their 19-run partnership pushed Pakistan closer to the target before Fatima departed for 5. Even after Ayesha fell with just nine runs needed, Pakistan remained in command. Saira Jsbeen remained unbeaten on 12 off 16 balls, while Tuba Hassan finished the chase in style with an unbeaten 6 off 6 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan reached 115/6 in 18.2 overs with 10 balls remaining.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought hard despite defending a modest total. Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari claimed two wickets each, while Nimasha Meepage also impressed with 1/19 from four overs. Malki Madara was economical despite going wicketless, and Chamudi Praboda bowled with discipline through the middle overs, though the target ultimately proved insufficient.
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