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CANBERRA The Pakistan Women's cricket team bounced back in the ICC Women's World Cup with a 57-run win against Sri Lanka Women on Monday.
Urooj Mumtaz, Pakistan captain won the toss and elected to bat first at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, despite skittling out for 51 in the first match against India. This time, however, Pakistan got off to a good start with openers Nain Abidi and Bismah Maroof adding 47 runs for the first wicket. The other batters also chipped in with useful knocks of 20, 21 and 22 from Sajida Shah, Urooj Mumtaz and Sana Mir. Pakistan ended up with a total of 161 off their allotted 50 overs, a big improvement from their previous total against India.
When the Sri Lankan team came in to bat, they were put under pressure straight away with three quick wickets from pacer Qanita Jalil, who removed openers Chamari Kumariham and Hiruka Fernando in the third over. The Sri Lankan captain, Shashikala Siriwardene played a solid knock and tried to hold the innings together but wickets kept falling around her and when Siriwardene got out for 58 in the 36th over, there was no way back for the Lankans.
The player of the match award went to Qanita Jalil for her brilliant opening spell and useful 19 runs at the end of Pakistan's innings.
This was a much improved performance from the girls in green after a thrashing at the hands of India and they will now play their final group match against England on Thursday (March 12).
The two groups comprise four teams each and the top three teams from both groups will advance to the Super Six stage that will get underway on Saturday (March 14). As things stand, Pakistan, India and England have all won a match each. If Sri Lanka lose their last match against India, Pakistan will proceed to the Super Sixes, which will be a great achievement for a team that is participating in the World Cup for the first time.
Urooj said she was happy with the performance. 'I am proud of my team. The way it lifted itself after Saturday's game was magnificent.
'It was a complete team effort and every player played her role to perfection. The batters stayed at the wicket to ensure we played out 50 overs while the bowlers bowled straight and were excellently back up by the fielders.
'However, Qanita and Sana stand out for their contributions. The two played very responsible cricket and today if we can eye a place in the Super Six stage, it is largely because of these two girls.
'All in all, it was a performance to be proud of and couldn't have come at a better time when we prepare to play England in the last group match. Our feet are still on ground as we know plenty of cricket still has to be played in the tournament and anything can happen.
'There is always a first time and I am glad that we ended our win drought in the World Cup and also against Sri Lanka. I wouldn't like to make tall claims but we would aim and try to beat teams we have never beaten before.'
Scores in brief
At Manuka Oval, Canberra Pakistan 161-7, 50 overs (Nain Abidi 26, Sana Mir 22 not out, Sajida Shah 21, Urooj Mumtaz 20; Suwini de Alwis 2-19, Eshani Lokusooriya 2-28, Shashikala Siriwardena 2-43)
Sri Lanka 104 all out, 39.4 overs (Shashikala Siriwardena 58; Qanita Jalil 3-33, Sana Mir 2-18)
Pakistan won by 57 runs
