Sri Lanka complete white-ball double with six-wicket win to clinch women's T20I series

Sri Lanka continued their dominance over Pakistan, registering a fourth straight victory in the ongoing white-ball series to clinch the T20I series after already wrapping up the ODI leg. Chasing a challenging target of 176, the hosts cruised to a six-wicket win with 14 balls remaining, extending their impressive run against their Asian rivals. Pakistan's blazing start fails to translate into a match-winning total Asked to bat first, Pakistan made a flying start courtesy of their opening pair, who took full advantage of the Powerplay. Shawaal Zulfiqar led the early charge, smashing five boundaries in a single over as the visitors raced to 63 without loss inside the first five overs. However, Sri Lanka gradually wrestled back control after the explosive beginning. The scoring rate dipped through the middle overs before Pakistan lost opener Muneeba Ali at the halfway stage. Chamodi Praboda then struck another crucial blow by dismissing the well-set Shawaal, ensuring Pakistan couldn't fully capitalise on their dominant start. Although Eyman Fatima provided a late boost with an unbeaten 30, the visitors finished on 175, a total that appeared below par considering their explosive opening stand. Athapaththu sets the tone with explosive counterattack Pakistan made the ideal start with the ball by removing centurion Imesha Dulani in just the second over. But the breakthrough only brought captain Chamari Athapaththu to the crease, and she immediately shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka's favour. Athapaththu unleashed an attacking display, tearing into the Pakistan bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries. Her rapid 40 off just 14 deliveries ensured Sri Lanka raced to 51 runs inside four overs, erasing any early pressure from the chase. Middle order finishes the job in style Following Athapaththu's dismissal, Sanjana Kavindi seamlessly carried forward the momentum. She kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries before taking apart spinner Nashra Sandhu with back-to-back sixes around the halfway mark of the innings. Even after Kavindi departed, Sri Lanka never lost control. Harshitha Samarawickrama injected further urgency with a quickfire 24 off 11 balls, while Vishmi Gunaratne also made a useful contribution before being dismissed. With the required rate well under control, Sri Lanka comfortably crossed the finish line in the 18th over, sealing the T20I series in emphatic fashion and completing another commanding performance against Pakistan.

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