Komal Khan's Brisk Fifty Seals Pakistan's Five-Wicket Win Over Sri Lanka
Opener Komal Khan struck a brisk half-century as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the second match of the U19 Women’s T20 tri-series at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Saturday.
Chasing 125 for victory, the hosts reached the target with six balls to spare. Komal anchored the pursuit with a 39-ball 50 studded with seven fours, a knock that earned her the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka stumble after bright start
Sri Lanka captain Chamudi Praboda chose to bat first, but the decision backfired as her side managed only 124 for nine from their 20 overs.
The innings began badly when opener Sanjana Kavindi was run out for seven in the third over with just 12 runs on the board. Nethmi Upeksha then steadied the innings alongside Vimoksha Balasuriya, the pair adding 58 for the second wicket before Memoona Khalid had Upeksha stumped in the 12th over.
Upeksha top-scored with a 43-ball 40 containing four fours, while Balasuriya made a 30-ball 26. Once the stand was broken, Sri Lanka collapsed, losing their last six wickets for 34 runs in the final 31 balls. All-rounder Pramudi Methsara provided late resistance with a 13-ball 20 that included a six and a four.
Mahnoor Zeb led Pakistan’s bowling with three wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Memoona claimed two and Shahar Bano chipped in with one.
Komal Khan leads the chase
Pakistan’s reply was built around Komal, who laid the platform with a 74-run second-wicket stand with Zoofishan Ayyaz. Komal fell to Limansa Thilakarathna with 79 on the board, but Zoofishan carried on, making 38 from 41 balls with three fours before departing in the penultimate over with victory in sight.
Shahar Bano finished the job in style, smashing an unbeaten 11 from four balls including a six. For Sri Lanka, Thilakarathna and Praboda took two wickets each, with Aseni Thalagune picking up one.
What the result means
The win lifts Pakistan after their defeat to Bangladesh in the tournament opener on Friday. The three-team event, which also features Bangladesh, is being played entirely at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, with the final scheduled for October 16. With home conditions and a settled squad led by Fizza Fiaz, Pakistan will back themselves to reach the decider.
Who won the Player of the Match award?
Komal Khan, for her 39-ball 50 at the top of the order in Pakistan’s run chase.
What were the match scores?
Sri Lanka made 124 for 9 in 20 overs; Pakistan replied with 125 for 5 in 19 overs to win by five wickets.
Where is the U19 Women’s T20 tri-series being played?
All matches are at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, with the final on October 16.
Who else is playing in the tri-series?
Bangladesh are the third team. They beat Pakistan in the tournament opener on October 2.
