Sri Lanka Women levelled their one-day international series against Pakistan with a commanding win in the second ODI in Hambantota, powered by a record-breaking batting partnership.
Harshitha Samarawickrama struck an unbeaten century and shared a stand of 203 runs for the second wicket with Vishmi Gunaratne — Sri Lanka’s highest partnership for any wicket in the history of Women’s ODIs, according to ESPNcricinfo’s scorecard.
The performance drew the three-match series level after Pakistan had taken the opener two days earlier. Samarawickrama’s fluent hundred anchored the innings, while Gunaratne provided the ideal foil at the top of the order, allowing the hosts to build a total that proved beyond the visitors.
The result sets up a decider and offers an encouraging sign for Sri Lanka’s women’s side, which has been steadily building depth in its top order. The record stand between Samarawickrama and Gunaratne is likely to rank among the standout individual efforts of the home season.
Both players have become increasingly important to Sri Lanka’s batting, and their command against a disciplined Pakistan attack in Hambantota underlined the growing competitiveness of the contest. Attention now turns to the final match of the series, with the trophy on the line.