Sri Lanka Women continued their outstanding run against Pakistan Women by securing the three-match T20I series with a six-wicket victory in the second match at Dambulla on August 2, 2026.
Chasing a challenging target of 176, Sri Lanka produced another fearless batting display to reach 178/4 in just 17.4 overs, sealing the series 2-0 with one match still to play. After already winning the ODI series 2-1, the hosts once again underlined their growing strength in white-ball cricket.
The chase was built around a sensational debut innings from 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, while captain Chamari Athapaththu, Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama all made valuable contributions.
Pakistan Post Competitive 175
Pakistan once again started strongly with the bat. Openers Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar laid an excellent platform, scoring 45 off 30 and 48 off 35 respectively. The pair kept the scoreboard moving throughout the powerplay before Eyman Fatima added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 30 from 19 deliveries.
Their combined efforts helped Pakistan finish on 175/5, a total that appeared highly competitive on the Dambulla surface.
Athapaththu Sets the Tone
Sri Lanka’s reply began in explosive fashion thanks to skipper Chamari Athapaththu. The left-hander attacked from the opening over, smashing 40 runs from just 15 balls as Sri Lanka raced at more than 11 runs per over during the powerplay.
Although Waheeda Akhtar removed both Athapaththu and first T20I centurion Imesha Dulani during the fielding restrictions, the early momentum had already shifted firmly towards the hosts.
Teenager Sanjana Kavindi Announces Herself
Making her international debut, 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi delivered a fearless innings that immediately announced her arrival on the big stage. After beginning with an outside edge for four through deep third, she quickly settled into her rhythm and finished the powerplay with 14 runs from 10 balls.
The highlight of her innings came in the 10th over when she launched left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu for successive sixes, one over deep midwicket and another over long-on.
Kavindi eventually departed for an outstanding 46 off just 24 deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka firmly in control of the chase.
Her fearless strokeplay earned her the Player of the Match award in only her first international appearance.
Middle Order Completes Another Successful Chase
Following Kavindi’s departure, Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama ensured there would be no collapse. Gunaratne kept the innings moving before Samarawickrama produced another composed finish, remaining unbeaten on 37 from 22 balls.
The left-hander paced the closing stages perfectly as Sri Lanka comfortably reached the target with 14 balls remaining and six wickets in hand.
It was the second consecutive successful chase of a substantial target for the hosts, highlighting the growing confidence of their batting unit.
Young Spinner Impresses With the Ball
Earlier in the match, another Sri Lankan teenager also caught the eye. Seventeen-year-old left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda produced the best bowling figures for the home side, claiming 2 for 27 in only her second international appearance.
For Pakistan, off-spinner Umm-e-Hani continued her impressive series with figures of 2 for 28.
Waheeda Akhtar was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, finishing with 1 for 24 from two overs after dismissing both Dulani and Athapaththu during the powerplay.
Ayesha Zafar chipped in with one wicket, while Momina Riasat maintained control with economical figures despite going wicketless.
Sri Lanka Continue Their Dominant Run
The victory gives Sri Lanka a 2-0 lead in the T20I series after already claiming the ODI series by the same margin of 2-1.
More importantly, it showcased the depth developing within the squad. While experienced captain Chamari Athapaththu once again provided an explosive start, youngsters Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda made significant contributions, highlighting the exciting future of Sri Lankan women’s cricket.
With one match remaining, Sri Lanka will now aim to complete a clean sweep and extend their excellent run of form against Pakistan.
