DAMBULLA: Sri Lanka women downed Pakistan women by six wickets in the second T20 International to take an unassailable lead in the three-match series here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
After electing to bat first, captain Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar gave Pakistan a rollicking start of 90 runs in 9.5 overs following a solid foundation of 68-0 in powerplay.
Muneeba struck six fours and a six in her 30-ball 45 while Shawaal top-scored with 48 off 35 smashing eight fours.
Sri Lanka removed both the openers in quick succession, but Pakistan continued to maintain a healthy scoring rate. Eman Naseer contributed 21 off 21 while Saira Jabeen struck three fours in a nine-ball 16.
Eyman Fatima provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 30 from only 19 balls. Her innings included three fours and two sixes and helped Pakistan add 46 runs in the final five overs as Pakistan posted a competitive 175-5 off the stipulated overs.
Chamudi Praboda claimed two wickets for 27 for Sri Lanka.
Defending 176, Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Waheeda Akhtar dismissed Imesha Dulani for five in the second over.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu then counter-attacked with a 15-ball 40 leaced with five fours and three sixes. Umm-e-Hani ended her innings before also dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne (31) to finish as Pakistan’s leading bowler with two wickets for 28 runs from four overs.
Sanjana Kavindi, playing her first T20I, scored 46 off 24, while Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 37 from 22. Kavisha Dilhari contributed an unbeaten 14 as the hosts achieved the target in 17.4 overs while losing four wickets.
The third match of the series will be held at the same venue on Tuesday.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka Women beat Pakistan women by six wickets.
PAKISTAN WOMEN 175-5 in 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 48, Muneeba Ali 45, Eyman Fatima 30 not out; Chamudi Praboda 2-27); SRI LANKA WOMEN 178-4 in 17.4 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 46, Chamari Athapaththu 40, Harshitha Samarawickrama 37 not out; Umm-e-Hani 2-28).
Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2026