LAHORE: Pakistan Women Under-19s opened their account in the U-19 Women’s T20 Tri-Nation Series with a convincing five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women U-19 team at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad on Saturday.
Komal Khan led the chase with a composed half-century, while left-arm pacer Mahnoor Zeb set the tone earlier with a three-wicket spell, as the hosts bounced back after a defeat in the opening match of the Rivaj Presents University of Lahore sponsored tournament.
Set a target of 125, Pakistan completed the chase in 19 overs for the loss of five wickets, finishing the game with six balls remaining.
The home side had a shaky start when opener Ravail Farhan departed early. However, the innings was steadied by a crucial 74-run stand for the second wicket between Komal Khan and Zoofishan Ayyaz, which shifted momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favour.
Komal was the standout batter, scoring 50 runs off just 39 deliveries, decorated with seven boundaries. She held the innings together with intelligent strike rotation and timely aggression. At the other end, Zoofishan Ayyaz provided valuable support, contributing 38 off 41 balls with three fours, ensuring the required run rate never climbed out of reach.
The dismissal of Komal at 79 triggered a brief wobble, as Sri Lanka pulled things back with a couple of quick strikes. Captain Fizza Fiaz chipped in with 13 from 14 balls, but it was the late flourish from Shahar Bano that sealed the contest.
With Pakistan needing 12 runs in the final overs, Shahar smashed an unbeaten 11 off only four balls, including a six, to take the team over the line. Zoofishan was dismissed in the 19th over, but by then the chase was well under control.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka Women U-19, after opting to bat first, managed 124 for nine in their 20 overs.
Opener Nethmi Upeksha was the top scorer for the visitors with a 43-ball 39, hitting four fours, while Vimoksha Balasooriya added 27 off 30 deliveries to provide some stability in the middle order. However, the Lankan side struggled to accelerate against disciplined Pakistani bowling.
Left-arm fast bowler Mahnoor Zeb was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, returning impressive figures of 3 for 18 in her four-over spell. She was well supported by off-spinner Memoona Khalid, who was equally economical with 2 for 18, while Shahar Bano claimed one wicket.
The win gives Pakistan its first points after two matches in the tri-series, which also features Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka will now face Bangladesh in the third match of the tournament on Monday at the same venue.
