Clinical Sri Lanka get better of Pakistan in ODI series

Sri Lanka displayed great all-around play to secure a hard-fought series victory over Pakistan, a first bilateral ODI series win over the opponent in 24 years, as they stand tall in the standings and their quest for ICC Cricket World Cup 2029 qualification.

A convincing match three win by eight wickets sends them up to second position in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 points table.

Harshitha Samarawickrama shined bright with the bat in the final editions of this contest, pushing Sri Lanka towards consecutive victories after delivering 100*, followed by a score of 71*.  

This effort was supported tremendously by opener Vishmi Gunaratne’s 123 runs in the second match and with Chethana Vimukthi, Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari all picking up 3 wickets in the series decider.

Star batter, Harshitha Samarawickrama rose three sports to 17th on the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, following the second match victory and is set to take another leap following the third match win and back-to-back elite performances.  

Jamie Siddons will be happy with his team’s performance as their current position in the standings indicates progress and development in the squad, as they have their sights set beyond their fifth-place finish at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2025.

Only New Zealand sit above them in the points table, separated by a single point.  

The White Ferns face a fierce challenge as a rivalry fuelled series against Australia awaits them next and Sri Lanka will surely be eagerly watching for a chance at the top.