1August, 2026 (Ghufran): Sri Lanka Women secured a thrilling six-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the opening match of the three-match T20 International series, taking a 1-0 lead. Despite a brilliant maiden T20I half-century from Pakistan’s Shawal Zulfiqar, an unbeaten century by Sri Lanka’s Udeshika “Umesha” Dilani guided the hosts to victory at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Batting first, Pakistan Women posted 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs, their highest-ever total in a Women’s T20 International on Sri Lankan soil. Opener Shawal Zulfiqar starred with a well-crafted 63 runs, while Muneeba Ali provided an aggressive start with 42 off 24 balls. Debutant Iman Nasir contributed a valuable 21 runs, adding a crucial 61-run partnership with Shawal. Saira Jabeen chipped in with 12 runs off 8 deliveries in the closing overs to help Pakistan finish strongly.
Chasing a target of 177, Sri Lanka got off to an attacking start, reaching 78 runs in 7.1 overs. Pakistan’s first breakthrough came through Nashra Sandhu, who dismissed Chamari Athapaththu for 39. Nashra finished with two wickets, while Hamna Bilal claimed the wicket of Kavisha Dilhari. However, Umesha Dilani produced a match-winning performance, remaining unbeaten on 101 to register her maiden international century and steer Sri Lanka to the target in 19 overs with six wickets in hand. The match also marked the Women’s T20 International debuts of Iman Nasir and left-arm spinner Momina Riasat for Pakistan. The second T20I of the three-match series will be played tomorrow at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan will aim to level the series while Sri Lanka will look to seal another victory.