Sri Lanka Women produced a remarkable comeback to clinch their first bilateral ODI series victory over Pakistan Women in 24 years, sealing a 2-1 triumph with a dominant eight-wicket win in the series decider at Hambantota on Tuesday. After dropping the opening ODI, the hosts responded emphatically by chasing down a record target in the second match before delivering a clinical all-round performance in the third to end Pakistan’s run of four consecutive ODI series wins over Sri Lanka. It was also Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series triumph over Pakistan since 2002.
Sri Lanka bounce back after opening defeat
Pakistan had drawn first blood in the series with a five-wicket victory after restricting Sri Lanka to 210/9 in the opener. However, Sri Lanka responded in spectacular fashion in the second ODI, completing their highest successful run chase in women’s ODIs. Vishmi Gunaratne smashed 123, while Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 100 as the hosts chased down 274 with eight wickets in hand to level the series.
That momentum carried into the decider, where Sri Lanka outplayed Pakistan in every department to complete a memorable turnaround.
Pakistan collapse after bright rebuild
Asked to bat first, Pakistan suffered a nightmare start as Chetana Vimukthi ripped through the top order in just the second over. The visitors slumped to 10/3, putting themselves under immediate pressure. Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership, but Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu broke the stand by dismissing Feroza for 40.
Pakistan’s middle order failed to capitalise as another collapse followed. From 110/4, the visitors slipped to 146/7 before captain Fatima Sana played a fighting knock of 41 to lift her side to 187 all out in 40 overs. Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each to keep Pakistan below the 200-run mark.
Athapaththu leads comfortable chase
Needing 188 for victory, Sri Lanka lost Vishmi Gunaratne early after she had helped provide another positive start. Captain Chamari Athapaththu quickly seized control, attacking Pakistan’s bowlers with trademark aggression. She struck three boundaries and a six in one over before bringing up the 30th fifty-plus score of her ODI career, ensuring Sri Lanka stayed comfortably ahead of the required rate.
Although Athapaththu departed after scoring 52, Harshitha Samarawickrama continued her excellent form, remaining unbeaten on 71, while Hasini Perera provided steady support in an unbroken partnership that guided Sri Lanka home with 76 balls to spare.
Athapaththu’s all-round display earned her the Player of the Match award after contributing both with the bat and ball in the series decider. Harshitha Samarawickrama, meanwhile, was named Player of the Series after scoring 173 runs across three matches while being dismissed only once.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka Women’s cricket, ending a 24-year wait for an ODI series win over Pakistan and showcasing the team’s growing consistency in the 50-over format.
The two sides will now shift their attention to the three-match T20I series, which begins on July 31 in Dambulla.
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