Pak Women Defeats SL in 3rd T20 to End Series With 2-1

Pakistan Women won the 3rd T20I by 4 wickets as Pak women defeated SL in 3rd T20 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Despite the consolation victory by the visiting side, Sri Lanka Women claimed the three-match bilateral series 2-1.

Riasat Shackles Hosts' Batting Lineup

Choosing to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan's bowlers capitalized on a slow Dambulla surface. The decision paid dividends early as Sri Lanka struggled to break free against a disciplined bowling attack. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu anchored the initial part of the home side's innings, top-scoring with 34 runs off 33 balls, hitting five boundaries. Sanjana Kavindi added a quick-fire 20 off 18 deliveries, but Pakistan kept chipping away at the wickets to keep the hosts in check.

The standout performer with the ball for Pakistan was 23-year-old Momina Riasat, who ripped through the middle order. Riasat returned exceptionally economical figures of 2 for 18 from her four overs. Backed by tight spells from Nashra Sandhu (1/17) and Tuba Hassan (1/20), Pakistan successfully restricted Sri Lanka Women to a modest total of 113/6 in 20 overs.

Zafar Guides Chasing Unit Home

Chasing a target of 114, Pakistan found themselves in a highly gripping tactical battle on the slow surface. The match hung in the balance through the middle overs, but senior right-handed batter Ayesha Zafar provided the necessary anchor for the visitors. Zafar laid the blueprint for the chase by playing down the ground, top-scoring with a beautifully paced 39 runs off 31 balls, including six boundaries. 

She received explosive support from Shawal Zulfiqar, who blasted 21 runs off just 12 deliveries to shift the momentum permanently. Zulfiqar's cameo was punctuated by three fours and a six.

Sri Lanka's bowlers tried fighting back, with skipper Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari picking up two wickets apiece. However, Pakistan's batters showed superior application compared to the previous fixtures. They cruised across the finish line to make sure Pak women defeats SL in 3rd T20 with 10 balls to spare, ending the scoring at 115/6 in 18.2 overs.

The thrilling matchup in the Pak women vs SL women 3rd T20 concluded the Pakistan Women tour of Sri Lanka, with the visitors finishing the comprehensive tour with two victories out of six international matches across both white-ball formats.