#3 Run-outs dent Pakistan’s chase
While chasing 222 runs, Pakistan needed a solid start. And Javeria Khan responded brilliantly by neutralising the threat posed by Chandima Gunaratne in the first hour.
Javeria played with positive intent and was in full control from the moment she walked to the crease. The first ball she faced, she confidently drove Gunratane for a boundary through covers. She balanced her aggression with strong defence and was looking set for a big score.
However in the 16th over Javeria made a blunder and tried stealing a single which never existed. Javeria was short of the crease when the wicket-keeper dismantled the stumps and thus ended Javeria’s brilliant cameo of 24 runs off 35 balls.
After Javeria’s departure, Nain Abidi anchored Pakistan’s chase and kept the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs. She completed her half-century and was eyeing for more before she too was run out.
In the 32nd over, a terrible mix up resulted in Abidi’s run out and it triggered Pakistan’s downfall. The two run outs of set batsmen at crucial moments opened the gates for Sri Lanka.
