Imesha Dulani produced a magnificent unbeaten century as Sri Lanka Women chased down a challenging target to beat Pakistan Women by six wickets in the first T20 International at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday.
Chasing 177 for victory, Sri Lanka reached the target with six balls to spare, finishing on 177 for four in 19 overs, with Dulani leading the successful run chase with a brilliant 101 not out off 64 balls.
Dulani’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression as she struck 17 fours and one six at a strike rate of 157.81. She anchored the innings from start to finish, guiding Sri Lanka through pressure situations after Pakistan had posted a competitive total.
Sri Lanka made a flying start to the chase as Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu added 78 runs for the opening wicket in just 7.1 overs. Athapaththu provided the early momentum with an explosive 39 off 22 balls, including five fours and two sixes, before she was dismissed by Nashra Sandhu.
Pakistan fought back with quick wickets, removing Vishmi Gunaratne (3) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (7), but Dulani kept the scoreboard moving. She reached her half-century in 32 balls and continued to dominate the Pakistan attack.
Kavisha Dilhari contributed a valuable 11 before falling in the 19th over, but Nilakshika Silva finished the match in style with an unbeaten nine off four balls as Sri Lanka completed the highest successful chase of the contest.
Earlier, Pakistan Women posted 176 for seven after being asked to bat first. Their innings was built around an aggressive opening partnership between captain Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
Muneeba smashed 42 off 24 balls with nine boundaries before being run out, while Zulfiqar top-scored with a powerful 63 off 41 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and a six. Their 66-run opening stand gave Pakistan an excellent platform.
Eman Naseer added 21 off 27 balls, while Ayesha Zafar provided late acceleration with 17 off 11 balls, including two sixes. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to restrict Pakistan from posting a bigger total during the final overs.
Kavisha Dilhari was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler with two wickets for 36 runs from her four overs. Chamudi Praboda claimed one for 29, while Sugandika Kumari and Kawya Kavindi also took a wicket each.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu was the standout bowler, taking two wickets for 25 runs, but Sri Lanka’s aggressive approach proved decisive.
Dulani was named Player of the Match for her match-winning century as Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brief Scores
Pakistan Women: 176/7 in 20 overs
Shawaal Zulfiqar 63 (41), Muneeba Ali 42 (24), Eman Naseer 21 (27)
Kavisha Dilhari 2/36, Chamudi Praboda 1/29, Sugandika Kumari 1/30
Sri Lanka Women: 177/4 in 19 overs
Imesha Dulani 101* (64), Chamari Athapaththu 39 (22), Nilakshika Silva 9* (4)
Nashra Sandhu 2/25, Umm-e-Hani 1/37
Result: Sri Lanka Women won by six wickets
Player of the Match: Imesha Dulani (101* off 64)*
