Cricket

Pakistan Women Elect to Bat First in T20 World Cup Clash Against Sri LankaIn a highly anticipated clash at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan Women have won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka Women. The match marks a significant moment for both teams, as Sri Lanka aims to continue their impressive form while Pakistan seeks to make a strong start to the tournament.Sri Lanka has enjoyed a remarkable year, securing their first-ever Women's Asia Cup title last July with a commanding victory over India. Captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed her team's underdog status and their determination to play without pressure."We are coming with underdog tag all the time. So, we don't have any pressure. I don't want to take too much pressure on my shoulders and my teammates' shoulders. But we keep it simple. I have a very young team, so we have a few seniors as well. I hope we can continue our best performance, because we've been playing really good cricket the last 16 months. This is a different format and different conditions, so we have to start again, fresh days. So, keep it simple, one ball one time, one game one time."Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, will be eager to prove their mettle against a formidable Sri Lankan side. The team features experienced players like Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, as well as promising youngsters like Muneeba Ali and Tuba Hassan."I will try to enjoy myself, express myself and back myself as well (as captain). Actually, our whole management is supporting me, and they told me that you just take a brave decision on the field, so just try to do this, be calm and just do whatever you want."The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting strengths and ambitions. Sri Lanka will look to maintain their momentum and upset the more fancied Pakistan side, while Pakistan will be determined to make a statement and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

Ireland Women secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series against Sri Lanka Women with a hard-fought 15-run victory in Belfast. After posting a competitive 255 for 5, Ireland's bowlers, led by Arlene Kelly's three-wicket haul, restricted Sri Lanka to 240 all out.Amy Hunter (66) and Leah Paul (81) laid the foundation for Ireland's total with half-centuries, while Rebecca Stokell's unbeaten 53* provided a late boost. Sri Lanka's chase was anchored by Harshitha Samarawickrama's maiden ODI century (105) and Kavisha Dilhari's all-round performance (53 runs, 2 wickets).However, Ireland's bowlers tightened their grip in the middle overs, with Kelly, Jane Maguire, and run-outs playing a crucial role in derailing Sri Lanka's chase. Samarawickrama's century marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, making her the third player to reach the three-figure mark in ODIs.Ireland's victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt to different conditions. Despite losing early wickets, they rebuilt their innings through partnerships and set a challenging target. Sri Lanka's spirited chase kept the match competitive, but Ireland's bowlers ultimately proved too strong.The win extends Ireland's unbeaten streak in ODIs to four matches and puts them in a commanding position in the series. The third and final ODI will be played on August 12, with Sri Lanka looking to salvage some pride and Ireland aiming to complete a clean sweep.

The West Indies women's cricket team concluded their challenging tour of Sri Lanka on a triumphant note, securing a six-wicket victory in the third and final T20I in Hambantota. This victory sealed a come-from-behind 2-1 series win for the visitors.The West Indies' top three batters, Stafanie Taylor, Hayley Matthews, and Shemaine Campbelle, played pivotal roles in the chase. Taylor and Matthews formed a solid opening partnership of 60 runs, while Matthews and Campbelle added another 51 runs. Campbelle remained unbeaten on 41 off 30 deliveries, guiding her team to victory with just one ball to spare.Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted a competitive total of 141 for 7 after being put into bat. Chamari Athapaththu top-scored for the hosts with 38 runs, while Kavisha Dilhari contributed 26. However, the West Indies bowlers kept the Sri Lankan batters in check, with Aaliyah Alleyne and Chinelle Henry claiming two wickets each.The West Indies' victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. After losing the first T20I, they bounced back with a convincing win in the second match. In the final game, they showed their class by chasing down a challenging target with ease.Player of the Series Hayley Matthews played a key role in the West Indies' success. She scored 49 runs in the final match and took three wickets in the series. Her all-round performance was crucial in helping her team secure the series win.The West Indies' victory will give them confidence ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup. They will be looking to build on this momentum and make a strong impact in the tournament.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team secured a historic victory over West Indies in the first ODI of their three-match series in Hambantota on Saturday. The hosts triumphed by six wickets, marking their first ODI win against the Caribbean side since 2015.West Indies, sent in to bat, made a promising start with a 68-run partnership between Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle. However, the introduction of left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari proved pivotal. Kumari broke the second-wicket stand in the 19th over, triggering a collapse that saw West Indies lose their last eight wickets for just 120 runs.Matthews top-scored for West Indies with 38, while Stafanie Taylor contributed 33. Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.In response, Sri Lanka's top five batters played with composure and determination. Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne laid the foundation with an 88-run opening partnership. After a brief wobble that saw Sri Lanka lose three wickets for 13 runs, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera steadied the ship.Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 44, while Perera scored 43 as the pair put on a crucial 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Afy Fletcher picked up a late consolation wicket for West Indies, but it was too little too late as Sri Lanka cruised to victory with six wickets in hand.The win gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played on Monday, July 11, at the same venue.