Sri Lanka women eye series win against Pakistan in Hambantota

Sri Lanka women will look to carry their strong batting form into the third and deciding ODI against Pakistan at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota today (28).

Sri Lanka levelled the three-match series with an eight-wicket victory in the second ODI on 25 July, completing their third-highest successful chase in women’s one-day internationals.

In that match, openers Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama struck centuries and shared a record 203-run partnership, Sri Lanka’s first stand of more than 200 runs for any wicket in women’s ODIs.

The pair surpassed the previous record of 190 set by Chamari Athapaththu and Nilakshika Silva against New Zealand in Galle in 2023. It was also the first time two Sri Lankan women had scored centuries in the same ODI.

Sri Lanka chased down Pakistan’s total of 273 with 19 balls remaining despite losing Athapaththu for one.

Gunaratne, a 21-year-old right-hander, made a career-best 123, while left-hander Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 100. Kavisha Dilhari added an unbeaten 40 from 33 balls to complete the victory.

Gunaratne and Samarawickrama recorded their second ODI centuries and remain the only Sri Lankan batters apart from Athapaththu to have scored hundreds in the format.

Samarawickrama also became the second Sri Lankan after Athapaththu to pass 1,500 runs in both ODIs and Twenty20 internationals.

The Hambantota pitch has favoured batters throughout the series. Pakistan opener Gull Feroza scored a century in the first ODI, while Sidra Amin made an unbeaten hundred in the second.

Both bowling attacks are therefore likely to face another difficult test in the series decider.

Sri Lanka are without fast bowlers Mitali Ayodhya and Kawya Kavindi, who have been sidelined by fever. Chethana Vimukthi and young Rashmika Sewwandi are expected to lead the pace attack.

Experienced leg-spinner Inoka Ranaweera claimed her 100th ODI wicket in the second match, becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to reach the milestone after former captain Shashikala Siriwardena, who retired with 124 wickets.

Dilhari and captain Athapaththu will also carry significant responsibility in Sri Lanka’s spin attack.

Pakistan are expected to rely on leg-spinner Nashra Sandhu, who took three wickets for 42 runs in the opening match. Captain Fatima Sana and left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab will also be important to their attack.

With another high-scoring contest expected, the effectiveness of the two bowling units could decide the series.