Imesha Dulani's century powers Sri Lanka Women to 1-0 series lead over Pakistan
177 runs proved enough only because Sri Lanka Women chased them in 19 overs, and Imesha Dulani's unbeaten 101 became just the fifth T20I century by a Sri Lankan and the first by a woman other than Chamari Athapaththu. Sri Lanka Women defeated Pakistan Women by six wickets in the opening T20I in Dambulla on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan posted an imposing 176 for 7 after their openers dominated the powerplay, but Dulani's landmark innings, backed by captain Chamari Athapaththu's rapid start, ensured Sri Lanka completed the chase with an over remaining. The result leaves Pakistan needing victories in both remaining matches after also losing the preceding ODI series 2-1.
Dulani and Athapaththu seize control after Pakistan's strong total
Pakistan looked well on course for a winning score after racing to 64 without loss inside the powerplay. Muneeba Ali attacked from the outset, striking 42 from just 24 deliveries, while Shawaal Zulfiqar anchored the innings with an impressive 63 off 41 balls.
Even after Muneeba departed shortly after the fielding restrictions, Zulfiqar continued to dictate the tempo, taking Pakistan into the 16th over. Yet Sri Lanka's bowlers restricted the late surge, allowing only 49 runs from the final five overs after Pakistan had reached 127 for 2.
Kaveesha Dilhari finished as Sri Lanka's most successful bowler with 2 for 36, while Pakistan's left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu claimed 2 for 25.
"Imesha Dulani became the first Sri Lanka woman apart from Chamari Athapaththu to score a T20I century."
Comparative breakdown
Imesha Dulani's landmark hundred changes the match
Sri Lanka responded without hesitation.
Dulani launched her innings in the third over by striking four boundaries in a single over from Humna Bilal. Athapaththu then produced her customary aggressive cameo, hammering 39 from 22 balls, including 37 runs before her dismissal.
Sandhu removed Athapaththu to offer Pakistan hope, and Sri Lanka lost wickets during the middle overs. Still, Dulani refused to allow the required rate to become an issue.
Her innings was built on placement rather than brute force. Seventeen boundaries repeatedly punished anything short or wide, while she carefully negotiated Sandhu's accurate spell before accelerating against the remaining bowlers.
When Dulani reached three figures from her 63rd delivery, she entered Sri Lankan cricket history.
She became:
At just 24 years old, the innings further strengthens her claim as one of Sri Lanka's most dependable top-order batters.
Match Stats
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Sri Lanka Women 177/4 beat Pakistan Women 176/7 by 6 wickets |
| Venue | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| Tournament | Pakistan Women tour of Sri Lanka 2026 – 1st T20I |
| Top Performer | Imesha Dulani – 101* (64), 17 fours, 1 six |
Sri Lanka Women move ahead in the series
The victory gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 advantage in the three-match T20I series and continues the momentum they built by winning the ODI series 2-1.
Pakistan will be encouraged by the performances of Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar, whose opening partnership laid the foundation for 176. Their inability to maximise the final five overs, however, ultimately proved decisive.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have discovered another genuine match-winner at the top of the order. Athapaththu has carried the batting for much of the past decade, but Dulani's breakthrough century suggests the supporting cast is becoming increasingly capable of winning matches on its own.
The teams now head into the second T20I with contrasting objectives. Sri Lanka need one more victory to seal the series, while Pakistan must win consecutive matches to avoid finishing the tour without a trophy. The next statistic to watch? Whether Pakistan can convert another strong powerplay into a total beyond 180, or if Sri Lanka's batting continues to redefine expectations in this series.