Ayesha Zafar sizzles as Pakistan avoid clean sweep against Sri Lanka in WT20I series

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Pakistan ended their tour of Sri Lanka on a positive note with a four-wicket victory in the third and final T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. After restricting Sri Lanka Women to 113/6 in 20 overs, Pakistan chased down the target in 18.2 overs, thanks to a composed innings from Ayesha Zafar. While the visitors avoided a clean sweep, Sri Lanka Women clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1 after winning the opening two matches.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan Women delivered a disciplined performance to keep Sri Lanka to 113/6. Captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 34 off 33 balls, striking five boundaries, while Sanjana Kavindi made 20 from 18 deliveries. Imesha Dulani added 17 at the top, but the hosts struggled to build substantial partnerships as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Momina Riasat was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/18 in four overs, while Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan chipped in with a wicket each. Zafar also made an impact with the ball by dismissing a batter in her only over, and Umm e Hani claimed one wicket despite conceding 30 runs. Pakistan’s collective bowling effort ensured Sri Lanka never found the momentum needed for a bigger total.

Pakistan made a brisk start to the chase with Shawaal Zulfiqar smashing 21 off just 12 balls, including three fours and a six. Muneeba Ali contributed 19 from 16 deliveries before Sri Lanka fought back through Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari, who shared four wickets to keep the contest alive.

The turning point came through Zafar, who produced a calm and calculated knock of 39 off 31 balls. Her innings, featuring six boundaries, held the chase together as wickets continued to fall at the other end. Saira Jabeen and Hassan then provided valuable support to help Pakistan reach 115/6 in 18.2 overs and seal a four-wicket victory with 10 balls remaining.

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Sri Lanka’s bowlers showed plenty of fight, with Athapaththu returning figures of 2/20 and Kavisha Dilhari also claiming two wickets. Nimasha Madushani Meepage added one wicket, but the hosts’ modest total ultimately proved difficult to defend. Although Pakistan finished the series with an impressive victory, Sri Lanka emerged as the overall winners after registering convincing six-wicket wins in both the first and second T20Is. The hosts claimed the series 2-1, while Pakistan departed with renewed confidence following an encouraging all-round performance in the final match

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.