Pakistan women cricket team register 31-run victory over Sri Lanka after they bounced back with the help of their bowling in the second match of the Women’s T20 World Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. 

The Lankans failed to chase the 117-run target and were only able to score 85 runs at the loss of nine wickets against the pace and spin of Pakistan’s bowlers known for their tremendous skills of winning matches through their bowling. 

Apart from Nilakshika Silva and Vishmi Gunaratne — they scored 22 off 25 and 20 off 34 respectively — of Sri Lanka, the rest of the batters failed to leave an impressive mark with their individual scores.

Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal topped the wicket-taking chart with her three scalps with Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu and Fatima Sana turned the game in their teams’ favour after taking two wickets each as the side successfully registered a 31-run win.

Earlier, the Green Shirts had bundled out on 116 runs after they won the toss and opted to bat first.

Sri Lankan bowlers excelled with the ball as Pakistan women team bundled out on 116 runs in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Opted to bat first, the Green Shirts had a dismal start to their innings with Sugandika Kumari dismissing both openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza inside four overs with just 17 runs on the board.

Adding further to the misery, Sri Lanka captain Athapaththu removed Sidra Amin in the sixth over of the innings. The right-handed batter scored 12 off 10 deliveries with the help of one boundary.

Experienced all-rounder Nida Dar then joined Omaima as they managed a 25-run partnership for the fourth wicket until the youngster fell victim to Kavisha Dilhari in the 10th over. She managed 18 off 19 deliveries, laced up with a four.

Dar then put on a brief partnership with Tuba Hassan (5) before getting bowled to Udeshika Prabodhani. The former captain smashed a six on her way to a 22-ball 23.

The wickets continued falling as Tuba Hassan and Aliya Riaz were dismissed by Chamari Athapaththu on back-to-back deliveries.

Pakistan soon slipped further to 84/8 in 14.5 overs after Diana Baig caught out after scoring just two runs.

However, Fatima stood up for her team along with Nashra (6*) to give a late push to her side’s total. The Pakistan captain top-scored with a 20-ball 30, laced up with three fours and a six, before walking back to the dugout in the final over.

For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari and Udeshika Prabodhani claimed three wickets each, while Kavisha Dilhari took one scalp.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan, Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced a seven-member squad for the upcoming Hong Kong World Sixes, with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf leading the side.

The eight-team tournament, after a seven-year-hiatus, will be played from November 1 to 3 at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong.

Pakistan since the inception of the tournament in 1993 have won the tournament four times, while it has remained runners-up of the event for five times, which include qualifying for the final of the last edition held in 2017.

Defending champions South Africa and England lead with the most titles, each winning five. Sri Lanka, Australia, India, and the West Indies have each won one title.

Some of the biggest names like Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, MS Dhoni, Wasim Akram, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Glenn Maxwell, Sanath Jayasuriya and others have played the tournament.

“We are excited to bring back this iconic event that showcases our city as a truly world city and a sporting capital of East Asia to the world and our cricket credentials. The strategic plan is to develop the Hong Kong Sixes into a global series, culminating every year with the grand finale at home,” said Chairperson of Cricket Hong Kong, China Burji Shroff.

Former Test wicketkeeper-batter Saleem Yousuf will travel with the side as manager, the cricket-governing body said.

Pakistan squad:

Faheem Ashraf (captain), Aamer Yamin, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk) and Shahab Khan 

Lahore: Pakistani spinner Usman Qadir announced his retirement from Pakistan cricket.

Usman Qadir turned to social media and wrote: “Today, I am announcing my retirement from Pakistan cricket, and as I reflect on this incredible journey, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude”.

‘It has been an immense honor to represent my country, and I’m thankful for the support of my coaches and teammates who have been with me every step of the way,’ he stated.

The cricketer added that from unforgettable victories to the challenges they faced together, each moment has shaped his career and enriched his life.

Usman further said that he was deeply appreciative of the passionate fans who have always stood by him; their unwavering support has meant the world.

“As I step into this new chapter, I will be continuing my dad’s legacy, embracing both my love for cricket and the lessons he instilled in me,” wrote Qadir.

“I carry with me the spirit of Pakistan cricket and the cherished memories we created together,” continued the cricketer.

It is pertinent to note that he is the son of late former Test cricketer Abdul Qadir and has represented Pakistan in one ODI and 25 T20 matches.

According to the media reports, Usman Qadir announced his retirement after being upset with the NOC matters. He was facing difficulties regarding the NOC for a long time.

It is also reported that Usman Qadir was also very disappointed with the attitude of the international department and will now look at cricket’s future in other countries.