A sensational performance by Sanjana Kavindi steered Sri Lanka Women to a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the second T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Chasing a steep target of 176, the hosts put on a display of aggressive, fearless cricket to seal the run chase in just 17.4 overs with 14 balls to spare. This resounding triumph not only secured the match but also wrapped up the three-match T20I series in favour of the islanders.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack restricts Pakistan to a competitive total
After opting to bat first, Pakistan Women capitalized on favourable conditions to forge a explosive opening partnership. Captain Muneeba Ali (45 off 30 balls) and Shawaal Zulfiqar (48 off 35 balls) launched an all-out assault during the mandatory powerplay, propelling Pakistan past 50 in just 3.5 overs. The duo put together a commanding 90-run opening stand before Sri Lankan spinner Chamudi Praboda delivered the crucial breakthrough in the tenth over, dismissing Muneeba.
Praboda struck again shortly after to remove Zulfiqar, sparking a middle-order collapse. Sri Lanka’s spin network pulled back the run rate as Chamari Athapaththu (1/32), Kavisha Dilhari (1/29), and Sugandika Kumari (1/37) steadily chipped away with tight lines and timely wickets. Despite late fireworks from Eyman Fatima, who smashed an unbeaten 30 off 19 balls, Pakistan’s momentum slowed in the final overs. They concluded their 20 overs at 175/5, a competitive total, but one that left room for a strong chase.
Sanjana Kavindi’s brilliant innings helps Sri Lanka wrap up the T20I series against Pakistan
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a shaky start when opener Imesha Dulani fell cheaply for 5 in the second over. However, skipper Athapaththu immediately swung the balance back, launching a brief but brutal counter-attack. Athapaththu scored a rapid 40 off just 15 balls, including two boundaries and seven maximums, operating at a strike rate of 266.66 to push Sri Lanka to 50 runs inside 4 overs.
Following Athapaththu’s departure, Player of the Match Kavindi took center stage. Kavindi delivered a match-winning masterclass, scorching 46 runs off a mere 24 balls. Her entertaining knock featured four boundaries and three effortless sixes at a strike rate of 191.66. Kavindi paired with Vishmi Gunaratne (31 off 29 balls) for a crucial third-wicket partnership of 53 runs off just 30 deliveries, effectively dismantling Pakistan’s bowling plans.
Even after Kavindi fell to Ayesha Zafar, the victory was well within sight. Harshitha Samarawickrama provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 37 off 22 balls, supported by Dilhari’s quickfire 14 not out off 8 deliveries. The duo comfortably steered Sri Lanka past the target, reaching 178/4 with over two overs remaining to seal a memorable series victory in front of a delighted home crowd.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
