Nine-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka fizzles Pakistan's momentum ahead of T20 World Cup

Since their 3-0 series whitewash against Zimbabwe at home, Pakistan Women's team have hardly seen any highs. They lost one game each against West Indies and Ireland in the Ireland tri-series. 

Sri Lanka add to Pakistan’s problems

Following that, their next two games were washed out, significantly affecting their preparations for the T20 World Cup. Now, as the side begins its warm-ups, Sri Lanka eased past them with a nine-wicket win, intensifying Pakistan's problems.

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan put forward a rather unimpressive batting display. Barring Muneeba Ali, none of the other batters could strike at a rate of more than 150 on Derby's surface, which was conducive to batting. The declining scoring rate got to the batters, and a collapse followed.

Fatima, Saira couldn’t contain the collapse

Losing their first wicket in the seventh over, half of the Pakistan side were back in the hut before the 12th over finished. Saira Jabeen and Fatima Sana made the most of their opportunities with late cameos, but the damage had already been done. 

Saira looked comfortable up front, clearing a couple of boundaries before her stay was cut short. Fatima, on the other hand, stayed on for a longer while and played quicker, but the contributions, or lack thereof, from the upper order had made the task too big for her to cover.

Pakistan ended the innings with 168 runs in 20 overs, which would turn out to be a walk in the park for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka openers make it look very easy

Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne took it upon themselves to chase down the target. The two batters scored 50-plus runs each, with Athapaththu taking up the bulk of the task herself. She scored 94 off just 58 balls, including nine fours and five sixes. Gunaratne, meanwhile, anchored the other end as she notched up a more placid 63 off 50 deliveries.

Pakistan drew first blood in the 18th over, a mere eight balls before Sri Lanka completed the target and won the first warm-up game.

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