Hambantota, July 23, 2026: Pakistan Women produced an impressive all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka Women by five wickets in the opening One-Day International of the three-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa on Thursday.
A commanding opening partnership between Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin laid the foundation for Pakistan’s successful chase of 211, as the visitors reached the target with five wickets in hand and seven overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Gull Feroza led the charge with a fluent 78 off 77 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries, while Sidra Amin anchored the innings with a composed 57 from 94 balls, including five fours. The pair provided Pakistan with a solid start that put the chase firmly under control.
Ayesha Zafar remained unbeaten on 27 from 31 balls, hitting one four and a six, while Sadaf Shamas contributed 20 off 27 deliveries with three boundaries.
Sri Lanka’s Kavisha Dilhari was the most successful bowler, claiming 2-37 in nine overs, while Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage and captain Chamari Athapaththu picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack restricted Sri Lanka to 210-9 in their allotted 50 overs after the hosts failed to build any substantial partnerships.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and Nilakshika Silva were the joint top scorers with 46 runs each. Athapaththu struck six fours in her 67-ball innings, while Silva’s 50-ball knock included two boundaries.
Hasini Perera chipped in with 35 off 63 balls, including three fours, while opener Vishmi Gunaratne made 28 from 38 deliveries with four boundaries.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu starred with the ball for Pakistan, claiming 3-42 from her full quota of 10 overs. Tasmia Rubab took two wickets, while captain Fatima Sana, Umm-e-Hani and Syeda Aroob Shah claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan will now look to seal the three-match ODI series when the two sides meet in the second match.
