Sidra’s Century Not Enough as Sri Lanka Strike Back

News Desk

Hambantota: Sri Lanka women produced a record-breaking batting performance to level the three-match ODI series against Pakistan after chasing down a challenging 274-run target with eight wickets in hand in the second match at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The hosts’ victory was powered by a historic 203-run partnership between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama, the highest-ever stand for Sri Lanka in Women’s ODIs. Their dominant display erased Pakistan’s strong total and set up a thrilling series decider on July 28.

Pakistan, who won the opening ODI by five wickets while chasing a 210-run target, posted 273 for five after being asked to bat first. Opener Sidra Amin led the innings with an unbeaten century, while Ayesha Zafar and Muneeba Ali provided valuable support.

Sidra anchored Pakistan’s innings with a brilliant 100 not out off 120 balls, building important partnerships throughout the innings. She added half-century stands with Ayesha and Muneeba before accelerating in the final overs alongside captain Fatima Sana, who scored a quick 25 off 18 deliveries.

Ayesha Zafar narrowly missed a half-century, scoring 49, while Muneeba Ali contributed 45 as Pakistan crossed the 270-run mark. Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed only five wickets, with Chamari Athapaththu, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, and Kavisha Dilhari taking one wicket each.

In reply, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed for one run, but Gunaratne and Samarawickrama completely changed the course of the match.

Gunaratne smashed 123 runs off 123 balls, including 11 fours and a six, to earn Player of the Match honors. She brought up her second ODI century before being dismissed in the 40th over.

Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 100 off 119 balls, registering her second ODI hundred, while Kavisha Dilhari provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 40 as Sri Lanka reached the target in 46.5 overs.

With the series tied 1-1, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now meet in the decisive third ODI on July 28 in Hambantota, where the winner will claim the ICC Women’s Championship series.