Shashikala guides Sri Lanka women to a thrilling win over Pakistan [October 10 2010]

Shashikala Siriwardene came out with an impressive all-round performance to guide Sri Lanka to an exciting 31-run win over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s Cricket Challenge match played at Potchefstroom, South Africa today.

Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka made a modest 220 for 5 in 50 overs with Siriwardene making an unbeaten 67 in 78 balls, including five boundaries. Despite losing the first wicket with five runs on the board, Sri Lanka’s total was boosted by a 73-run partnership for the second wicket between opener Chamari Polgampola and Suwini de Alwis.

In reply, Pakistan were well set for a comfortable win with their total reading 147 for 2 in the 32nd over. But Siriwardene and Hiruka Fernandi staged a magnificent fight back for Sri Lanka as Pakistan lost their last eight wickets with the addition of only 42 runs off 14 overs.

Chief scores:

Sri Lanka: 220 for 6 in 50 overs (Chamari Polgampola 41, Suwini de Alwis 25, Shashikala Siriwardene 67 n.o, Chamani Seneviratne 27 n.o, Shumalia Qureshi 2 for 33).

 Pakistan: 189 all out in 45.5 overs (Javeria Khan 32, Marina Iqbal 29, Nain Abidi 54, Shashikala Siriwardene 3 for 31, Hiruka Fernando 2 for 13).