Imesha Dulani produced the innings of her career with a sensational unbeaten 101 off 64 balls as Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the opening T20 International, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a challenging target of 177, Sri Lanka reached 177 for 4 with one over to spare, thanks to a dominant batting display led by Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu. Dulani's century was the fifth by a Sri Lankan in Women's T20 Internationals and the first by a player other than Athapaththu. Athapaththu provided an explosive start, scoring 39 off just 22 deliveries, while Dulani anchored the chase with remarkable composure. The pair laid the foundation with an aggressive powerplay that yielded 67 runs, keeping the required run rate firmly under control. Dulani launched her attack early, striking four boundaries in a single over off Humna Bilal. Although Sri Lanka lost wickets during the middle overs, the 24-year-old maintained her calm, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. Her unbeaten knock featured 17 fours and one six, with the landmark century coming off just 63 balls. Earlier, Pakistan posted an imposing 176 for 7 after a commanding start from their opening pair. Muneeba Ali set the tone with a quickfire 42 off 24 balls, including 41 runs during the powerplay, while Shawaal Zulfiqar anchored the innings with a well-made 63 off 41 deliveries. Pakistan raced to 64 without loss in the first six overs and appeared on course for a total well beyond 180. However, Sri Lanka's bowlers pulled things back in the closing stages, restricting Pakistan to 49 runs in the final five overs after they had reached 127 for 2. Right-arm spinner Kavisha Dilhari was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 36. For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu claimed 2 for 25, dismissing Athapaththu and another batter, but received little support from the rest of the bowling attack as Sri Lanka's batters dominated throughout the chase. With the victory, Sri Lanka now lead the three-match T20I series 1-0. Pakistan, who also lost the preceding ODI series 2-1, must win both remaining matches to avoid finishing the tour without a series victory.

Sri Lanka have announced a refreshed 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Women's T20I series against Pakistan, introducing uncapped youngsters Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda as part of a gradual transition following the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The selectors have retained the team's experienced core while making three changes to the squad that featured at the World Cup. Alongside the inclusion of the two Under-19 prospects, 19-year-old seamer Rashmika Sewwandi has returned to the national side. Making way are middle-order batter Hansima Karunaratne and seamers Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukthi. Vimukthi had joined the previous squad as an injury replacement after spinner Shashini Gimhani was ruled out. Among the newcomers, 17-year-old left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda is viewed as the more likely candidate to feature during the series, offering Sri Lanka an additional spin option. Fellow 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, a top-order batter, faces stiff competition for a place in an increasingly settled batting lineup. Sri Lanka continue to place their faith in an experienced group led by captain Chamari Athapaththu. The batting unit, boosted by its recent performances, includes Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, who are expected to provide stability at the top of the order. All-rounder Kavisha Dilhari remains a key figure in maintaining the team's balance, while Sugandika Kumari will lead the spin attack alongside Nilakshika Silva. Wicketkeeper-batter Kaushini Nuthyangana also retains her place after impressive recent displays. Young fast bowlers Kawya Kavindi and Malki Madara have held on to their spots in the pace department. Sri Lanka head into the T20I series with confidence after securing a 2-1 victory in the preceding ODI series against Pakistan. The three-match T20I series is scheduled to begin on July 31 in Dambulla. Sri Lanka Women's Squad for Pakistan T20Is Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Sanjana Kavindi, Harshitha Samarawickrama (wicketkeeper), Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Kavisha Dilhari, Nimasha Meepage, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi and Rashmika Sewwandi.

Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali has been appointed captain of Pakistan's women's T20I team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, with regular skipper Fatima Sana set to miss the shortest-format matches due to her participation in The Hundred. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has permitted Sana to skip the T20I series, allowing her to become the first Pakistani woman cricketer to feature in the prestigious English franchise tournament. She will, however, lead the national side during the three-match ODI series before departing for England. Major Squad Overhaul After T20 World Cup Disappointment Pakistan have made significant changes to their T20I squad following a disappointing Women's T20 World Cup campaign, where the team managed just one victory in five matches. Their lone win came against the Netherlands after both teams had already been eliminated from the tournament. Experienced players Aliya Riaz and Iram Javed, whose selections had attracted criticism during the World Cup, have been dropped from the T20I setup. Fast bowler Diana Baig has also been left out of both the ODI and T20I squads after playing only a limited role during the tournament. Eight Players Receive Call-Ups The PCB has introduced fresh faces into the squad, handing opportunities to eight players for the Sri Lanka tour. Teenage batters Eman Naseer and Maham Anees, along with left-arm spinner Momina Riasat, have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Naseer and Momina are yet to make their international T20 debuts. Meanwhile, Najiha Alvi, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar return to the national setup after earning recalls. Muneeba Returns to Leadership Role This will be Muneeba Ali's second stint as Pakistan's T20I captain. She previously led the side in a T20 International against Australia in 2024. As one of Pakistan's most experienced players, Muneeba will be tasked with guiding a youthful squad looking to rebuild after their underwhelming World Cup performance. Series Schedule Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka begins with a three-match ODI series, scheduled from July 23 to July 28, followed by a three-match T20I series from July 31 to August 4. All six matches will be played at Hambantota. Pakistan ODI Squad Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar. Pakistan T20I Squad Muneeba Ali (captain & wicketkeeper), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar. With a new-look squad and several emerging talents earning opportunities, Pakistan will aim to begin a fresh chapter as they prepare for an important white-ball assignment against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming home ODI series against Pakistan, with opener Vishmi Gunaratne making a return to the national setup. Her comeback could see Sri Lanka revive the successful opening combination of Gunaratne and captain Chamari Athapaththu. Wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani and uncapped fast bowler Rashmika Sewwandi have also earned recalls as Sri Lanka look to strengthen their squad ahead of the three-match ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029 series. The selections come with four players from the squad that completed a 3-0 ODI sweep against Bangladesh in April being left out. Kaushini Nuthyangana, Piumi Wathsala, Malki Madara and Sugandika Kumari have all been omitted from the latest squad. Among the exclusions, seamer Malki Madara’s absence stands out. The 25-year-old had enjoyed her best run in ODI cricket since making her debut in 2025, claiming eight wickets in six matches this year. However, Sri Lanka have chosen to give 19-year-old Rashmika Sewwandi an opportunity as they continue to build their pace resources. Sugandika Kumari’s omission also raises questions, especially with the series scheduled to be played in Hambantota, where conditions are not expected to heavily favour spin. Sri Lanka still have several spin options available, including Inoka Ranaweera, Dewmi Vihanga, Kavisha Dilhari, Nimasha Meepage and captain Athapaththu. Gunaratne’s return creates a selection challenge at the top of the order. Hasini Perera has performed strongly since moving back to the opening position earlier this year, scoring 229 runs at an average of 38.16, including two half-centuries. A possible solution could see Perera move back to the No. 3 position, allowing Gunaratne to partner Athapaththu at the top. The middle order remains largely unchanged, while Sanjeewani’s return adds experience and depth to the lower batting order. Sri Lanka’s pace attack will feature a youthful look, with 23-year-old Kawya Kavindi the most experienced seamer in the group with five ODIs. Chethana Vimukthi has played three matches, while Sewwandi is yet to make her ODI debut. The three-match ODI series against Pakistan will be played at Hambantota on July 23, 25 and 28. The matches will form part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029 cycle. Sri Lanka Women’s ODI Squad vs Pakistan Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi.