Gull Feroza stars as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in ODI series opener

Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin’s half-centuries helped Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The Green Shirts comprehensively chased down 211 in 43 overs, losing only five wickets in the process.

Sadaf Shams and Gull Feroza added 58 runs for the opening wicket partnership at the end of the first powerplay, with Shams contributing 20 off 27 balls, including three fours. The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was the second-wicket stand of 90 runs off 114 balls, which made light work of the chase, taking the total to 148 in 28.5 overs. Feroza eventually departed after scoring a free-flowing 78 off 77 balls, including 11 fours. Sidra Amin continued and raised her half-century before getting castled by Inoka Ranaweera on 57, hitting five fours in her measured knock. The visitors eventually reached home in the 43rd over. For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets.

With their fifth ODI win in a row, Pakistan moved up to second position in the ICC Women’s Championship Points table. Earlier, Sri Lanka could not capitalise on the decision to bat first as they were limited to 210-9 in 50 overs despite a strong opening foundation. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne stitched a 56-run stand in 11 overs, with Gunaratne contributing 28 off 34 balls, hitting four boundaries. Despite the wicket, Sri Lanka carried on as Athapaththu and Hasini Perera stitched a 53-run partnership to take the total over the 100-run mark.

However, once Pakistan introduced spinners, the momentum quickly shifted in their favour. The visitors removed well-set Athapaththu (46) and Perera (35) in quick succession to make a comeback. The home side could not recover after the quick wickets, losing wickets in clusters and eventually being limited to a below-par total. For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu starred with the ball, scalping three wickets in her 10 overs.

The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second ODI scheduled to take place in the coming days. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and secure a series win, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back and level the series. Pakistan’s batting depth and bowling attack were on full display, highlighting their potential as a formidable side in the ICC Women’s Championship. The series continues to provide exciting cricketing action, with fans eagerly awaiting the next fixtures as both teams battle for supremacy in the ODI format. The win also boosts Pakistan’s position in the championship standings, keeping them in contention for a top spot as they continue their campaign. The Green Shirts will be hoping to carry this form into the remaining matches and secure a comprehensive series victory.