HAMBANTOTA: Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin’s half-centuries helped Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The Green Shirts comprehensively chased down 211 in 43 overs, losing only five wickets in the process.
Sadaf Shams and Gull Feroza added 58 for the opening wicket partnership at the end of the first powerplay. Shams made 20 off 27 with the aid of three fours.
The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was the second-wicket stand of 90 off 114 balls, which made light work of the chase. The pair took the total to 148 in 28.5 overs. Feroza eventually departed after scoring a free-flowing 78 off 77, including 11 fours.
Sidra Amin continued on and raised her half-century before getting castled by Inoka Ranaweera on 57. She hit five fours in her measured knock. The visitors eventually reached home in the 43rd over.
For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets.
With the fifth ODI win in a row, Pakistan moved up to second position in the ICC Women’s Championship Points table.
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Earlier, Sri Lanka could not capitalise on the decision to bat first as they were limited to 210-9 in 50 overs despite a strong opening foundation.
Skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne stitched a 56-run stand in 11 overs. Gunaratne contributed with 28 off 34, hitting four boundaries.
Despite the wicket, Sri Lanka carried on as Athapaththu and Hasini Perera stitched 53 run partnership to take the total over the 100-run mark.
But, once Pakistan introduced spinners, the momentum quickly shifted in their favour. The visitors removed well-set Athapaththu (46) and Perera (35) in quick succession to make a comeback.
The home side could recover after the quick wickets, losing wickets in clusters. They were eventually limited to a below-par total.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu starred with the ball, scalping three wickets in her 10 overs.
