Sri Lanka leveled their three-match women's ODI series against Pakistan at 1-1 after successfully chasing down a target of 274 with eight wickets to spare. The victory, which marked the third-highest chase in the team's history, was fueled by a record-breaking second-wicket partnership of 205 runs between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. This stand represents the highest for any wicket for Sri Lanka in women's ODIs.
The chase began poorly when captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed for just 1 run in the fifth over, caught behind off the bowling of Fatima Sana. However, Gunaratne and Samarawickrama stabilized the innings, maintaining a steady run rate of around five an over. Both players reached their respective half-centuries, with Gunaratne needing 55 balls and Samarawickrama taking 74. As the required run rate climbed past six an over during the second half of the match, the pair increased their scoring pace, bringing the required rate back under five an over before the 40th over.
Gunaratne eventually reached her 107-ball century, though she was later stumped for 123. With 52 runs still needed and 64 balls remaining, Kavisha Dilhari joined Samarawickrama to maintain the momentum, scoring at better than a run-a-ball. Samarawickrama hit a four to complete her 119-ball century as only eight runs remained, and Dilhari subsequently struck the winning boundary to finish the match with 19 balls to spare.
Pakistan had been sent in to bat first and posted a total of 273 for 5. Sidra Amin anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 100 to record her seventh ODI century. While the opening batters failed to capitalize on their starts, Ayesha Zafar provided a quick 49 off 45 balls before being bowled by Dilhari. Muneeba Ali contributed a steady 88-run partnership with Amin, and Sana added a brisk 25 off 18 deliveries to help set the challenging target, which ultimately proved insufficient against the hosts' record-setting performance.
Vishmi GunaratneHarshitha SamarawickramaSidra AminSri Lanka WomenPakistan WomenSL Women vs PAK WomenPakistan Women tour of Sri Lanka
