A Disciplined Bowling Effort Sets the Stage
The foundation for Pakistan’s total was laid by Fatima Sana, who top-scored with a determined 47 off 36 balls. She found valuable support from Shawaal Zulfiqar, who contributed 24 off 16 balls to keep the scoreboard moving. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers remained disciplined, led by captain Chamari Athapaththu. Athapaththu was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 2/24 in her four-over spell to ensure Pakistan could not accelerate beyond a manageable target.
Overcoming Early Setbacks in the Chase
The pursuit of 131 began under significant pressure, as Sri Lanka found themselves in immediate trouble. The match took a dramatic turn early on when captain Athapaththu fell with the team score at just 5 runs in the second over. The situation grew more precarious as Sri Lanka lost three early wickets, leaving their middle order with a substantial rebuilding job to do against a disciplined Pakistan bowling unit.
Harshitha Samarawickrama proved to be the anchor of the innings, steadying the ship with a crucial 36 off 31 balls. Her ability to rotate the strike and find the boundary kept Sri Lanka within reach of the required run rate. Supported by Kavisha Dilhari, who provided vital runs during the middle phase of the chase, the team managed to navigate the pressure of the semi-final stage. Despite the early collapse, Sri Lanka’s depth allowed them to reach the target of 131, finishing on 134/6 to secure their spot in the tournament final.
