(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka began the Super Sixes stage of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier with a creditable five-wicket win over Pakistan at the NCC grounds yesterday.
Eshani Lokusuriyage’s knock of 65 not out off 75 balls and contributions from the top order ensured Sri Lanka cruised past the target of 213 against Pakistan with five wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare.
Nipuni Hansika (37) and Chamari Atapattu (35) set the tone with a 75-run opening stand, before Pakistan hit back with three wickets in the space of eight overs. Prasadani Weerakkody struck 45 off 71 balls and shared an 88-run partnership with Player of the Match Lokusuriyage to see Sri Lanka home.
Pakistan was helped along to 212 with fifties from Nahida Khan (64) and Javeria Khan (63). The pair shared a 119-run stand off 171 balls. Pakistan, too, lost a cluster of wickets in the end overs, stalling the momentum from the innings. Inoka Ranaweera and Chamari Polgampola added two wickets apiece.
India, Bangladesh also win
India Women scored a comfortable 49-run win against South Africa Women at the P Sara Oval. Mithali Raj and Mona Mesharam struck fifties to propel India’s score to 205. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 156 as fast bowler Shikha Pandey and left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht combined for seven wickets.
Bangladesh Women skittled Ireland Women for 144 and cruised to a seven-wicket win in their match at the CCC grounds. Jahanara Alam led the way with figures of 3 for 21 after Bangladesh inserted Ireland and bowled them out in 47.1 overs. The Sharmins-Sultana and Akhter – gave Bangladesh a solid start in their chase with a 40-run partnership. Akhter completed a half-century before exiting in the 30th over. Fargana Hoque and Rumana eventually sealed the win in the 40th over with an unbroken 39-run stand.
