Sidra Amin’s unbeaten century proves insufficient as hosts complete eight-wicket chase in second ODI
HAMBANTOTA: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the second women’s One-day International on Saturday to level the three-match series 1-1 after record centuries from Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama.
Pakistan posted 273 for five after being asked to bat first, with opener Sidra Amin scoring an unbeaten century, but Sri Lanka chased down the target in 46.5 overs at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium.
How Did Sri Lanka Chase Down Pakistan’s Total?
Sri Lanka’s victory was powered by a record 203-run partnership between Gunaratne and Samarawickrama, the highest partnership for any wicket in Sri Lanka women’s ODI history.
Gunaratne scored 123 runs from 123 balls, including 11 fours and a six, while Samarawickrama remained unbeaten after scoring a century.
The hosts lost captain Chamari Athapaththu early after she was dismissed for one run, leaving Sri Lanka at 20 for one in the fifth over.
However, Gunaratne and Samarawickrama stabilized the innings and took control of the chase before Dilhari Kavisha added an unbeaten 40 from 33 balls to guide Sri Lanka home.
How Did Pakistan Perform With the Bat?
Sidra Amin anchored Pakistan’s innings with an unbeaten 100 from 120 deliveries, hitting 13 boundaries to register her seventh ODI century.
Ayesha Zafar contributed 49 runs from 45 balls, while Muneeba Ali scored 45. Captain Fatima Sana added a quick 25 off 18 balls as Pakistan reached 273 for five.
Despite Sidra’s century, Pakistan’s total was not enough on a batting-friendly surface.
What Did Sidra Say After the Match?
Sidra said Pakistan had adapted well to the conditions but needed to improve their execution in the final match.
She said Sri Lanka’s use of slower deliveries created difficulties for Pakistan’s batters and added that the team would focus on improving its bowling plans.
The third and final ODI will decide the series winner, with both teams level at 1-1.