DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: In a breathtaking display of power-hitting and composure, Imesha Dulani announced herself on the international stage with a sensational unbeaten 101 off just 64 deliveries, guiding Sri Lanka to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20I on Friday.
Sri Lanka Women kick off the series in magnificent style! 🇱🇰🔥
A dominant 6-wicket victory over Pakistan Women, powered by brilliant batting performances and a confident team effort. 🏏#SriLankaCricket #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/gPYRQ4l4JP— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 31, 2026
The 24-year-old’s magnificent century not only handed the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series but also etched her name into the record books as only the fifth Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I hundred, and remarkably, the first not named Chamari Athapaththu.
Chasing a formidable target of 177 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, where 160 has historically been a winning score, Sri Lanka’s top order rose to the occasion with ruthless efficiency. Captain Athapaththu set the tone with a blistering 39 off 22 balls, but it was Dulani who stole the show, smashing 17 fours and a solitary six in an innings of sheer dominance.
Her hundred, completed off the 63rd delivery she faced, ensured Sri Lanka reached 177 for 3 with an over to spare, leaving the visitors shell-shocked.
Pakistan’s powerplay dominance goes in vain
Pakistan will deeply regret letting this match slip through their fingers, particularly after a scintillating start that saw them race to 64 without loss in the powerplay.
Muneeba Ali was in devastating form, crashing 41 off 22 balls during the fielding restrictions before falling for 42 soon after. Opening partner Shawaal Zulfiqar then took control, anchoring the innings with a fluent 63 off 41 deliveries before departing in the 16th over.
Despite useful contributions from the middle order, Pakistan managed 176 for 7, a total that seemed imposing but ultimately proved insufficient. The seamers struggled on both sides, particularly during the powerplay where no wickets fell, while spinners fared marginally better. Sri Lanka’s Kaveesha Dilhari claimed 2 for 36, while Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the bowlers with economical figures of 2 for 25.
Dulani’s arrival on the big stage
If there were any doubts about Dulani’s place in Sri Lanka’s top three, this innings has emphatically silenced them. She launched her assault in the third over, smashing Humna Bilal for four consecutive boundaries, and never relented.
A sensational unbeaten century! 💯🔥
Imesha Dulani stands tall with a magnificent 101* runs, guiding Sri Lanka Women with a classy batting masterclass. 🇱🇰🏏#SriLankaCricket #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/2aMMTCsbtx— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 31, 2026
Even as Athapaththu dominated the powerplay with 37 off 19, Dulani kept pace with 27 off 17, showcasing remarkable maturity for a player still early in her international career.
Athapaththu’s dismissal, falling to Sandhu, briefly threatened to disrupt Sri Lanka’s momentum, but Dulani remained unfazed. She showed calculated respect to the left-arm spinner while scoring freely off the other bowlers, ensuring the required run rate never became a concern after Sri Lanka’s powerplay explosion of 11.16 runs per over.
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A historic achievement
Dulani’s hundred places her in elite company. She becomes just the fourth Sri Lankan woman to score a century across all formats, joining Athapaththu, Vishmi Gunaratne, and Harshitha Samarawickrama, both of whom are part of this dynamic Sri Lankan top five. At just 24, Dulani has signaled that Sri Lanka’s batting future is in safe hands.
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Pakistan’s silverware hopes hang by a thread
While Pakistan will take encouragement from their top-order performance, they will be frustrated by their inability to capitalize on a strong position. At 127 for 2 after 15 overs, they managed only 49 runs in the final five overs, a total that proved insufficient against Sri Lanka’s rampant chase.
.@nashra_sundhu06 is only the third Pakistan Women bowler to register 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ international wickets 👏#SLWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/sFCzT0vWee
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 31, 2026
Having already lost the ODI series 2-1, Pakistan now face a must-win situation in the remaining two T20Is if they are to return home with any silverware. For Sri Lanka, however, the victory, and Dulani’s historic knock, has injected renewed belief as they eye a series triumph on home soil.
