Pakistan Women ended Sri Lanka Women’s dominance with a four-wicket victory in the third and final T20I at Dambulla, chasing down a target of 114 with 10 balls to spare. Although Sri Lanka secured the three-match series 2-1, Pakistan finished the tour on a positive note thanks to a composed innings from Ayesha Zafar, who was named Player of the Match.
After high-scoring contests in the opening two matches, the series finale presented a completely different challenge. On a slower surface, Pakistan’s spinners dictated proceedings before the batters calmly completed the chase to deny Sri Lanka a clean sweep.
Ayesha Zafar Anchors the Chase
Ayesha Zafar led Pakistan’s pursuit with a measured 39 off 31 deliveries, ensuring the visitors remained in control throughout the chase. While she departed before the finish, her knock reduced the equation to just nine runs from 23 balls, leaving little room for a late collapse.
Tuba Hassan and Saira Jabeen completed the job without any drama, with Tuba sealing the victory by punching the ball through the covers for four. Pakistan reached 114/6 with 10 deliveries remaining to register their first victory since the opening fixture of the tour.
The visitors also made an excellent start in the powerplay, collecting 44 runs. On a surface where stroke-making became increasingly difficult, that aggressive beginning proved crucial and laid the platform for a successful chase.
Pakistan Spinners Turn the Match
The decisive difference between the two sides came with the ball. Pakistan’s spin attack consistently applied pressure through disciplined lines and clever variations, preventing Sri Lanka from building momentum after a promising start.
Between the sixth and 16th overs, Pakistan’s spinners conceded only 47 runs while claiming five wickets. Umm-e-Hani, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan and Ayesha Zafar all contributed wickets as the visitors tightened their grip on the contest.
The turning point arrived during the 12th over.
Sri Lanka appeared well placed at 72/1, with Chamari Athapaththu and Sanjana Kavindi sharing a steady partnership that hinted at a total around 140.
However, Momina Riasat changed the game in the space of four deliveries.
She first removed Kavindi with a well-judged catch at extra cover before dismissing Athapaththu three balls later when the Sri Lankan captain found the fielder at deep square leg attempting a slog sweep.
Those quick wickets halted Sri Lanka’s progress completely.
Sri Lanka Lose Momentum
Following the double strike, Sri Lanka never managed to regain their earlier rhythm. Although they lost only three more wickets, they struggled to accelerate during the closing stages of the innings. The final eight overs yielded only 40 runs, including just 22 in the death overs, leaving the hosts with a below-par total of 113.
Chamari Athapaththu once again top-scored for Sri Lanka, but the middle order failed to provide the late acceleration that had powered the hosts to victories in the opening two matches.
Sri Lanka Bowlers Fight Hard
Despite defending a modest target, Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to compete throughout the chase. Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari claimed two wickets each, while Nimasha Meepage impressed with economical figures of 1/19 from her four-over spell.
Malki Madara maintained tight control despite going wicketless, and young spinner Chamudi Praboda also bowled disciplined overs through the middle phase. However, the total simply proved too small to defend against Pakistan’s composed batting effort.
Pakistan Finish Tour with Consolation Win
While Sri Lanka claimed the T20I series 2-1 after winning the opening two matches through aggressive batting displays, Pakistan showed excellent adaptability in the decider.
Recognising the slower conditions, the visitors relied on their spin attack to restrict Sri Lanka before producing a mature batting performance led by Ayesha Zafar.
The victory prevented a series whitewash and provided Pakistan with valuable confidence ahead of future assignments, while Sri Lanka will still take satisfaction from securing both the ODI and T20I series on home soil.
