Historic chase: Sri Lanka Women claim T20I victory with 101‑run innings

In a landmark encounter at Dambulla on July 31, the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team completed a historic chase, overtaking Pakistan’s 177‑run target with six wickets in hand. The match, the first T20 International between the two sides, saw Pakistan post 176/7 after a strong start from openers Muneeba Ali (42) and Shawaal Zulfiqar (63).

Shawaal’s innings featured ten fours and a six, while Muneeba’s rapid knock included nine boundaries. After their partnership, Iman Naser added 21 before being dismissed, and Pakistan’s middle order could not sustain momentum, stumbling to a total of 176.

Sri Lanka’s response was anchored by an unbeaten 101 from Imesha Dulani, made off 64 balls with 17 fours and a six. Opening with captain Chamari Athapattu, the pair put together 78 runs; Athapattu contributed 39 off 22 deliveries before being the first wicket. Early dismissals of Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari narrowed the margin, but Dulani’s century steadied the innings.

The Sri Lankan bowlers also made an impact: Kavisha Dilhari claimed two wickets, while Kavya Kavindi and Chamodi Prabodka each took one. Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler on the opposite side with two wickets for 25 runs. The win not only gave Sri Lanka a six‑wicket triumph but also marked a memorable milestone in women’s T20 cricket for the island nation.