Gunaratne, Samarawickrama tons help SL level series in Hambantota

Centuries from Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama powered Sri Lanka to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Hambantota on Saturday (July 25), helping the hosts level the three-match ODI series. Sidra Ameen's unbeaten hundred proved futile as the pair added a match-defining 203 runs for the second wicket.

Earlier in the day, Ameen anchored Pakistan’s innings after being asked to bat first. Arriving at the crease at Sadaf Shamas’ dismissal in the fifth over, Ameen shared several crucial partnerships and remained unbeaten after reaching her century in the final over of the innings. Ayesha Zafar (49) and Muneeba Ali (45) made significant contributions before skipper Fatima Sana’s cameo (25*) pushed Pakistan to 273/5 in 50 overs.

In reply, Sana removed her counterpart Chamari Athapaththu early in the fifth over but Pakistan were left searching for answers as Gunaratne and Samarawickrama came together. The duo batted for over 35 overs before Gunaratne was dismissed for 123, having struck 11 fours and a six, in the 40th over. In the process, she became only the second Sri Lankan woman to register multiple international tons after Athapaththu.

Pakistan’s hopes of a revival were quickly crushed with Kavisha Dilhari (40*) adopting an aggressive approach while Samarawickrama carried on steadily. They shared a 52-run partnership off just 45 balls as Sri Lanka cruised to the total in the 47th over, with Samarawickrama reaching her ton in the final over of the innings.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 273/5 in 50 overs (Sidra Ameen 100*, Ayesha Zafar 49; Chethana Vimukthi 1-26) lost to Sri Lanka 275/2 in 46.5 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 123, Harshitha Samarawickrama 100*; Fatima Sana 1-44) by 8 wickets.