Pakistan captain Fatima Sana (30 and 2-10) played an anchoring role to power the Green Shirts to the 31-run victory against Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a 117-run target, Sri Lanka could only compile 85-9 in 20 overs. Only of the Sri Lanka batters, Nilakshika Silva (22) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20) could show some resistance with the bat and move to the double figures against the lethal Pakistan’s bowling attack.
For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal (3-17) scooped up three wickets. Fatima Sana (2-10), Nashra Sandhu (2-15) and Omaima Sohail (2-17) took two wickets apiece.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan were bundled out for 116 in the last ball of their inning. Pakistan were off to a jittery start and wicket of Gull Feroza started a slide, and it went downhill quickly thereafter.
But it was the newly-appointed skipper, Fatima Sana, who provided impetus to the Pakistan’s innings by racking up a crucial 20-ball 30 to ensure, the team's post fighting score on the board.
Nida Dar had also scored a crucial 22-ball 23.
For Sri Lanka, Chamari Athapaththu (3-18), Sugandika Kumari (3-19, Udeshika Prabodhani (3-20) took three wickets apiece.
Fatima Sana bagged the player of the match for her excellent display with both bat and bowl.
Pakistan will lock horns against India in their second match, slated to happen on October 6 (Sunday).
