Pakistan women fought back to win third and final T-20  by 4 wickets  with 10 balls to spare against Sri Lanka women yesterday at the Dambulla International Stadium.  Despite Pakistan’s consolation  win  Sri  Lanka  having  previous back to back wins ensured their series victory 2-1  to take the champions trophy.

Sri Lanka made a good batting display in their chasing in previous two  winning games but yesterday they invited to bat first couldn’t maintain good momentum  and  only managed to get 113 for 6 wickets in 20 overs which was not a challenging total on that wicket. Pakistan spinners did a good job to keep Sri Lanka batters under control. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu made 33 ball 35 with five fours while Imesha Dulani  hit run a ball 17 with two fours to add 36runs open stand in 5 .2 overs. The 17-year-old left hander Sanjana Kavindi scored  18 ball 20   but none of the other batters were able to make good contributions. Batting collapse resulted in Sri Lanka’s low total and prevented them from their white wash of the series.

The leg spinner Momina Riasat was the successful bowler taking 2 for 18 in her 4 over spell while all other spinners Umm-e-Hani , Nashara Sandhu, Tuba Hassan and Ayesha Zafar shared a wicket each.

Pakistan chasing a total of 114,  openers Muneeba Ali (19) and Shawaal Zulfiqar (21)  made quick  start  but off spinners Kavisha Dilhari  took both openers’ wickets  in back to back overs to reduce visitors to 42 for 2 after 5.2 overs. However Ayesha Zafar made a  match winning knock of 39 in 31 balls with 6 fours brought them to victory with 10 balls to spare. Chamari Athapaththu (2 for 20) and Kavisha Dilhari  (2 for 24) bowled well for home team.

Sri Lanka made three changes  for this final game.  Wicket keeper Kaushini Nuthyangana,  leg spinner Nimasha Madushani and fast bowler Malki Madara  came to the team in places of Vishmi Gunaartna, Rashmika Sewwandi and Sugandika Kumari.  Pakistan’s Ayesha Zafar was named Player of the Match while Sri Lanka opener Imesha Dulani  who scored a superb century in the first game was adjudged Player of the Series.

Chief scores

Sri Lanka Women 113 for 6 wickets in 20 overs (Imesha Dulani 17, Chamari Athapaththu 34, Sanjana Kavindi 20, Kavisha Dilhari 12, Kaushini Nuthyangana 12*, Kawaya Kavindi 10*, Monina Riasat 2/18)

Pakistan women 115 for 6 wickets in 18. 2 overs (Muneeba Ali 19, Shawaal Zulficar 21, Ayesha Zafar 39, Saira Jabeen 12*, Chamari Athpaththu 2/20, Kavisha Dilhari 2/24)