Gunaratne, Samarawickrama tons help SL level ODI series

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. After batting for more than 35 overs, Gunaratne was run out for 123 after hitting 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.