Pakistan's Winning Start at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Led by All-Round Fatima Sana

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Pakistan's Winning Start at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Led by All-Round Fatima Sana

Pakistan's Women’s Cricket team kicked off their 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with an exhilarating 31-run win against reigning Asia Cup champions, Sri Lanka. Played on a slow, low-bouncing Sharjah pitch, this match was a crucial one for Pakistan, marking their first win over Sri Lanka in four encounters. This victory was not only a boost in morale but also a testament to the team’s resilience and determination to start their World Cup journey on a positive note.

A Modest Start but a Strong Finish for Pakistan

Pakistan’s performance with the bat was far from ideal, as they posted a modest total of 116. The top six batters struggled to find rhythm, with none of them managing to score more than 23 runs. Partnerships seemed elusive, and it was the lower-middle order that came to the rescue. Enter Fatima Sana, the team’s captain, who delivered a crucial innings of 30 off 20 balls at No. 7. Her late-order heroics ensured Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark, giving them a fighting chance on a pitch that wasn’t easy for run-scoring.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was formidable, with Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, and captain Chamari Athapaththu taking three wickets each. However, their efforts to restrict Pakistan were not enough to close the game.

Pakistan’s Spinners Take Charge

Sri Lanka, chasing a modest total of 117, began their innings with confidence, but they were soon brought to their knees by Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack. The Sharjah pitch, which offered slow turn and unpredictable bounce, played directly into the hands of the Pakistani bowlers. Omaima Sohail’s off-spin and Fatima Sana’s all-round brilliance kept Sri Lanka’s batters tied down.

The defining moment of the game came when Fatima Sana dismissed Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu for just 3 runs. This critical wicket sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s batting order, and they struggled to regain momentum, collapsing to 52 for 5 by the 13th over. Despite some fight from Harshitha Madavi and Anushka Sanjeewani, Sri Lanka ended their innings at 85 for 9, falling short by 31 runs.

Fatima Sana’s Tactical Brilliance

Fatima Sana’s decision to bat lower in the order raised some eyebrows, but her ability to score quickly in the latter stages of the innings proved to be a masterstroke. With the ball, her spell of 3 for 17 was a standout performance, guiding Pakistan to a well-earned victory. Her leadership on the field was impressive, especially after taking over bowling duties following an injury to Diana Baig.

Key Moments and The First Six of the Tournament

One of the highlights of the match was Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali hitting the first six of the tournament. Advancing down the pitch, she lofted Udeshika Prabodhani over midwicket for a 63-meter six. In a match where boundaries were hard to come by, this shot brought much-needed excitement to the game.

Ultimately, it was Pakistan’s disciplined bowling that sealed the victory, ensuring that a modest total was enough to secure a win. The team’s confidence will no doubt soar as they move forward in the tournament, with Fatima Sana leading from the front as both a tactician and a performer.

This thrilling match has set the stage for an exciting tournament, with Pakistan making a strong statement. Can Pakistan continue their winning momentum and go deep into the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup? Only time will tell, but they have certainly started in style!

Reference from:- https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-women-s-t20-world-cup-2024-25-1432420/pakistan-women-vs-sri-lanka-women-2nd-match-group-a-1432423/match-report