Gull Feroza’s blistering 78 off 77 deliveries and an effective spin performance from Nashra Sandhu propelled Pakistan Women to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the first One-Day International at the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 211, Pakistan wrapped up the contest with five wickets in hand and 7 overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka got off to a fluent start. Openers Vishmi Gunaratne (28) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu (46) laid a strong platform, adding 56 runs for the opening wicket. However, Pakistan’s spinners quickly turned the tide towards the visitors. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu broke the opening stand by dismissing Gunaratne and then dealt a massive blow by bowling Athapaththu just as the captain looked set for a big one.
Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum during the middle overs against disciplined Pakistani bowling. Hasini Perera (35) and Kavisha Dilhari (35) attempted to rebuild, but regular breakthroughs checked the scoring rate. Leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah was exceptionally tight, conceding just 26 runs in her 10 overs, while pacer Tasmia Rubab chipped in with 2 for 34.
A resilient, unbeaten 46 off 50 balls from Nilakshi de Silva in the lower-middle order ensured the hosts grinded their way to 210/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Sandhu was the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 42.
In reply, Pakistan began their run-chase with visible urgency. Opener Gull Feroza launched a fierce assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers from the outset, striking 11 boundaries in an entertaining 77-ball 78. Alongside Sadaf Shams (20), Feroza ensured Pakistan reached 50 in under eight overs.
Following Shams’ dismissal, veteran Sidra Ameen anchored the innings brilliantly. Ameen composed a steady 57 off 94 balls, providing the perfect foil to Feroza’s aggressive stroke play. The duo forged a decisive 90-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively taking the match away from the home team.
Although Kavisha Dilhari dismissed Feroza in the 29th over and claimed two wickets (2/37) in a brief Sri Lankan fightback, the target was well within reach. A lively unbeaten cameo from Ayesha Zafar (27* off 31) ensured there were no late hiccups, as skipper Fatima Sana joined her to complete the chase with 42 balls to spare. Gull Feroza was duly awarded Player of the Match for her match-winning knock.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 210/9 in 50 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 46, Nilakshika Silva 46*; Nashra Sandhu 3-42, Tasmina Rubab 2-34) lost to Pakistan 211/5 in 43 overs (Gull Feroza 78, Sidra Amin 57; Kavisha Dilhari 2-37) by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Gull Feroza
