Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan in opener of Women’s Asia Cup
Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan in opener of Women’s Asia Cup
Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 14 runs in a thrilling opening match of the second Women’s Asia Cup at the National Stadium Karachi (NSK) here on Wednesday. Chasing a winning target of 179 runs, the hosts were bowled out for 164 in the allotted 50 overs. Pakistan, who fought hard against their rivals, needed 15 off the last over but lost their last wicket off the second ball. Sri Lankan opener Dedunu De Silva, who scored the half-century, was declared woman of the match.
Earlier, Sri Lanka skipper Shsikala Siriwardene won the toss decided to make use of the wicket first. The visitors made 178 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted overs. Sri Lanka lost two quick scalps at the total score of 38, but then came Dedunu and guided her side to a respectable total. She made 52 off 124 balls and stayed at the wicket for two hours. She hammered seven boundaries. The seventh wicket stand of 39 between Inoka Galagedera (25) and Praba Udawatte (22 not out) was the other highlight of Sri Lanka innings. Pakistan leg spinner Urooj Mumtaz laboured hard to get three wickets for 40 and off spinner Sabahat Rasheed claimed two wickets for 30. The Pakistan bowlers also conceded 24 wides.
Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Suwini de Alwis (4-24) and captain Shsikala (3-32) then had Pakistan tottering on 88-6, but a seventh wicket stand of 66 nearly won the match for the home team. Kanta Jalil (36) and Sana Mir (23) took the fight to the Sri Lankan bowlers before their stand was broken by Suwini. Opener Taskin Qadeer top-scored for the home team with 42. Asmavia Iqbal hit a breezy knock of 38 off 54 balls.
More: dailytimes.com.pk