Sidra Amin’s century in vain as Sri Lanka level ODI series

Pakistan suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the second women’s ODI despite a brilliant unbeaten century from opener Sidra Amin.

Pakistan suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the second women’s ODI despite a brilliant unbeaten century from opener Sidra Amin.

After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 273 for five in their 50 overs. Sidra led the innings with a composed 100 not out from 120 balls, striking 13 boundaries. It was her seventh century in women’s ODIs.

Ayesha Zafar added 49 from 45 deliveries, while Muneeba Ali scored 45. Captain Fatima Sana contributed a quick 25 from 18 balls to help Pakistan reach a competitive total.

Sri Lanka, however, produced a dominant response and chased down the target in just 46.5 overs, winning by eight wickets and drawing the three-match series level at 1-1.

The hosts’ chase was built around a record partnership between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The pair put together 203 runs, the highest partnership for any wicket in Sri Lanka’s women’s ODI history and the team’s first 200-plus stand in the format.

Gunaratne played an aggressive innings, scoring 123 from 123 balls with 11 fours and a six. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten after reaching her century, while Kavisha Dilhari provided the finishing push with an unbeaten 40 from 33 balls.

Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Fatima Sana dismissed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for just one run. However, Gunaratne and Samarawickrama quickly took control and kept Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure.

Sidra said Pakistan had adapted well to the conditions but needed to improve their approach against Sri Lanka’s slower bowling. She also acknowledged that the bowling attack needed to be more disciplined in the decisive match.

She said Pakistan would look to bowl straighter and target the stumps to restrict Sri Lanka’s batters from opening up and scoring freely.

With the series tied 1-1, both teams will now compete in the final ODI with the series trophy at stake.