Islamabad, Oct 4: Fatima Sana storms Pakistan to victory against Sri Lanka
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana (30 runs and 2 wickets for 10 runs) played a pivotal role in leading the Green Shirts to a 31-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 117 runs, Sri Lanka managed to score only 85 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Only two Sri Lankan batters, Nilakshika Silva (22) and Vishmi Gunaratne (20), showed some resistance against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.
For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal stood out with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 17 runs, while Fatima Sana (2-10), Nashra Sandhu (2-15), and Omaima Sohail (2-17) each contributed with two wickets.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan struggled and was dismissed for 116 runs on the last ball of their innings. After a shaky start, the loss of Gull Feroza’s wicket triggered a collapse, but newly appointed skipper Fatima Sana stabilized the innings with a vital 30 runs off 20 balls, helping Pakistan set a competitive score. Nida Dar also played a crucial role, scoring 23 runs off 22 balls.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, Chamari Athapaththu (3-18), Sugandika Kumari (3-19), and Udeshika Prabodhani (3-20), each took three wickets, applying pressure throughout the innings.
Fatima Sana was awarded the Player of the Match for her outstanding performance with both bat and ball. Pakistan’s next challenge will be against India in their second match, scheduled for October 6 (Sunday).
