Dar, Maroof lead from the front in crucial win over Sri Lanka

In what could be a deciding match on who advances to the final of the Asia Cup, the Pakistan team performed under pressure to record a 23 run win over opponents Sri Lanka.

Batting first, Pakistan lost opener Muneeba Ali cheaply, but skipper Bismah Maroof (60* off 41) and Nahida Khan (38 off 34), then consolidated a second-wicket partnership worth 60 runs. In her innings, Maroof hit 7 fours and ensured her team posted a competitive total of 136/4 on the board, chasing which Sri Lanka was bound to struggle.

For Sri Lanka, bowler Sugandika Dassanayaka did the most damage to the Pakistani line-up, claiming two wickets and leaking a mere 18 runs from her four overs.

In the second innings, the Sri Lankan openers, Yashoda Mendis (25 off 29) and Nipuni Manage (24 off 22) got their team off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 48 runs. Then, Nida Dar was brought into the attack and she tore through the Sri Lankan batting order. Regular breakthroughs were made by the Pakistani bowlers, as Sri Lanka finished their innings on 113/9 and Pakistan registered a comfortable 23 run win.

Dar starred with the ball, finishing with exceptional bowling figures of 5-21 off her four overs, a career-best for her.