Pakistan Women Under-19 secured their first win of the tri-series with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women Under-19 in Faisalabad. An impressive bowling display led by Mahnoor Zeb, followed by a composed half-century from Komal Khan, helped the hosts chase down 125 with one over to spare.
The victory came after Pakistan opened the tournament with a defeat to Bangladesh, allowing the hosts to get their campaign back on track.
Sri Lanka Recover After Early Setback
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka lost opener Sanjana Kavindi early after she was run out by Mahnoor Zeb for seven. However, Nethmi Upeksha and Vimoksha Balasuriya steadied the innings with a valuable 58-run partnership for the second wicket.
Upeksha top-scored with 40 from 43 deliveries before she was stumped by Zoofishan Ayyaz off Memoona Khalid, while Balasuriya contributed 26 from 30 balls.
Sri Lanka appeared well placed at 90/2 before Pakistan’s bowlers triggered a collapse.
Mahnoor Zeb Sparks Late Collapse
Pakistan dominated the closing overs as Sri Lanka lost wickets regularly after the second-wicket partnership ended.
Mahnoor Zeb dismissed Balasuriya before adding the wickets of Danodya Sewmini and Nethagi Isuranjali to finish with outstanding figures of 3 for 18 in four overs.
Memoona Khalid also impressed with 2 for 18, while Shahar Bano chipped in with one wicket.
A late cameo from Pramudi Methsara, who struck 20 from 13 balls, lifted Sri Lanka to 124/9 from their 20 overs.
Komal Khan Anchors Comfortable Chase
Pakistan’s chase began poorly when opener Ravail Farhan was bowled for a duck inside the opening over. The early setback, however, had little impact as Komal Khan and wicketkeeper Zoofishan Ayyaz rebuilt the innings superbly.
The pair shared a decisive 74-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Pakistan firmly in control.
Komal reached her half-century from 39 balls before falling for 50, an innings featuring seven boundaries.
Ayyaz provided excellent support with 38 from 41 deliveries, helping keep the required run rate under control.
Late Wobble Before Pakistan Finish the Job
Sri Lanka briefly fought back after spinner Limansa Thilakarathna removed Aqsa Habib and later dismissed Ayyaz, while captain Chamudi Praboda also claimed two wickets.
Pakistan still needed quick runs in the closing stages before Shahar Bano produced an unbeaten 11 from just four deliveries, including the match-winning six.
Together with Qamrosh Farhan, she guided Pakistan to 125/5 in 19 overs, completing the chase with six balls remaining.
Pakistan Bounce Back in Tri-Series
After suffering defeat against Bangladesh in the tournament opener, Pakistan responded with an improved all-round performance.
Mahnoor Zeb’s outstanding spell with the ball and Komal Khan’s match-defining fifty ensured the hosts secured an important victory and revived their hopes in the tri-series.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka Women U19 124/9 (Nethmi Upeksha 40, Vimoksha Balasuriya 26; Mahnoor Zeb 3/18, Memoona Khalid 2/18) lost to Pakistan Women U19 125/5 in 19 overs (Komal Khan 50, Zoofishan Ayyaz 38; Chamudi Praboda 2/22, Limansa Thilakarathna 2/24) by five wickets.
